CANNABIS USER IS BRANDED 'A FOOL' DURING SENTENCING

A 21-YEAR-OLD Perth man, who had been misusing cannabis resin since he
was 15, was branded a "fool" on Wednesday - and was warned by Sheriff
Robert McCreadie he was putting his own life - and those of his
friends - at risk by taking the drug.

Benjamin Sayer, of Lismore Court, North Muirton, was told: "The
effects of cannabis can be catastrophic - in the same way one ecstasy
tablet can be catastrophic. People have died."

Sheriff McCreadie said he sat on mental health tribunals and had heard
again and again of the unpleasant offences, including murder and other
unspeakable things, committed by people who had regularly taken cannabis.

"There has been a long argument about cannabis but what is significant
today is the extent to which it has been associated with mental disorders."

He wanted to destroy the myth it was simply a recreational drug and
get across to the general public how devastating its long-term effects
could be.

Sayer was appearing for sentence after admitting at an earlier court
he had cannabis at his home with intent to supply it to others.

The court heard drugs squad detectives, armed with a warrant, carried
out a "systematic search" of his house on January 15.

A total of 268.5 grammes of cannabis resin, with a street value of
UKP1342.50, along with a set of scales, were recovered.

"His girlfriend was also arrested at the time but he immediately
advised police it was nothing to do with her," stated depute fiscal
Therese Oswald.

"He explained he had bought the cannabis at the end of the previous
week and paid UKP380 for it. He then said he sold it to his pals at UKP60
an ounce."

The drugs had come from Dundee and the transaction had been carried
out at Perth Bus Station.

Solicitor Linda Clark said Sayer had gained a number of qualifications
at school and had subsequently attended college, working at weekends.

When questioned by police, he frankly admitted he kept most of the
cannabis for himself but his pals would chip in to help fund the
purchase and they would get their share in due course.

He was now attending the Drug and Alcohol Counselling Service and was
off drugs. He had also disassociated himself from his previous
acquaintances. Stressing the accused's stupidity was not only
affecting himself but the lives and prospects of others, Sheriff
McCreadie imposed a fine of UKP750, payable at UKP20 a week.

But Sayer was warned that if he was involved in any illegal drug
taking, he risked a prison sentence.