Female barber caught transporting £103,000 of narcotics between Elgin and Glasgow jailed

A “persistant, active and industrious” drug dealer who was caught transporting narcotics with a maximum street value of £103,000 has been jailed for five years.

Pamela Paterson, 45, transported large quantities of cocaine and amphetamine between her home town of Elgin and Glasgow between July 2022 and March 23 2023.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how the self employed barber was arrested by police after officers became aware of her role in the illegal trade.

Judge Michael O’Grady KC heard how officers assessed how the drugs in Paterson’s possession could have netted anywhere between £71,000 and £103,000 on the open market.

The drugs squad also recovered £21,000 of cash which prosecutors believe are the proceeds of drug deals.

Paterson pleaded guilty to two charges of being involved in supplying cocaine and amphetamine at an earlier high court hearing.

Sentence was deferred until Tuesday so that Judge O’Grady could have a report detailing Paterson’s personal circumstances.

On Tuesday, judge O’Grady jailed Paterson after hearing how being sent to prison will impact the relationship she has with her children.

Judge O’Grady added: “It is advanced on your behalf that you were not a major figure in this operation.

“But if you were not a major figure, you were a persistent, active and industrious one who made a not insignificant contribution to it and was clearly trusted by others to do so.

“It is often said in these courts – and it is always true – that all those who participate at whatever level in the supply of drugs form a vital part of that pernicious chain and must expect to be sentenced accordingly.

“I have listened carefully to all that has been said on your behalf and have had regarding to what appears in the background report.

“I accept that you have no criminal record of significance and have never before served a sentence of imprisonment.

“I also understand that any such sentence will have unfortunate consequences for your children.

“But of course many people have children whose lives are blighted and indeed all too often ended by people like you who sell them drugs.”

Earlier in the hearing, defence solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin told judge O’Grady that Paterson became involved in the drugs trade after accumulating debts.

He added: “The only financial advantage to which she benefited from was working off the debts to which she had accumulated with others.

“She was prevailed upon to become involved in the drugs trade after she was unable to pay off these debts.”

Mr Gilmartin also told the courts that his client had mental health issues.

He added: “She suffers from depression and anxiety and she is medicated for this.”

Prosecutors now plan to launch an action under proceeds of crime legislation in a bid to recover funds from Paterson. This matter will call at the High Court in Edinburgh on February 9.

Passing sentence, judge O’Grady added: ‘It will be clear to you that, on any view, you have pled guilty to very serious offences.

“If it were not so, you would not be in the highest court in the land.”