A 40-YEAR-OLD man who admitted dealing in cocaine has avoided a prison sentence at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Forty-year-old Christopher Mulholland’s offence was aggravated by the fact it was connected to serious organised crime.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine at his home in Cheviot Place, Town Yetholm, and also a property in Kelso between January 2022 and September 30, 2022.

Mulholland also admitted being in possession of cannabis.

Prosecutor India McLean said police officers executed a search warrant at the Town Yetholm property in September 2022 and found a number of items including almost 30 grammes of cocaine with an estimated value of £2,400 and a small quantity of cannabis.

Sheriff Peter Anderson told Mulholland that dealing in class A drugs would normally merit a custodial sentence.

But he had been persuaded to impose the alternative due to his co-operation with the police during the search.

Mulholland was given an 18 months Community Payback Order which included 12 months supervision.

He was also given 12 months supervision and a night time curfew at his home in Town Yetholm between the hours of 8pm and 7am for the next six months.

A confiscation order for £1,825 in cash found at his home was also granted.