CITY MAN CAUGHT WITH 5 UKP OF CANNABIS LOST JOB

An Aberdeen offshore worker lost his job after being caught with 5ukp of
cannabis on a North Sea Oil Platform, a court heard today.

Alexander Smith, 33, of Menzies Rd. Torry, was warned at Aberdeen Sheriff
Court he could face prison if he did not behave over the next six months.

Sheriff Colin Harris deferred sentence for that period, because Smith, who
has five previous convictions for drug offences, could not afford to pay a
fine.

Smith had previously admitted having cannabis on board the Heather Alpha
platform, 245 miles North east of Aberdeen on September 15, last year.

Depute fiscal Karen Cameron said Smith was caught in the platform's laundry
room with the drug.

All 69 people on board were asked to provide urine samples and only Smith
proved positive.

Defence agent Shane Campbell said Smith had not taken cannabis while on the
platform and had smoked the drug about 10 days before being caught and
while onshore.

Sheriff Harris told Smith: "Given the place the drug was found I consider
this to be a serious matter, particularly as you were on probation for the
self same offence.

"I seriously considered prison but you have already paid a heavy price as
you have lost your job and you may not find employment offshore again,
because of your record."