A TRANENT man has been placed on a community payback order after he admitted possessing quantities of drugs.

Richard Kelly, of Muirpark Place, was found to be in possession of cocaine and cannabis when police arrived at his home in December 2020.

Last Wednesday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that Kelly was currently the subject of two existing community orders for previous offending.

But lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale told the court that Kelly had “no previous of an analogous nature” and had “a supportive partner” and young child to look after.

Ms Clinkscale said that Kelly was “addressing his problems including his drug use” and was under the guidance of the drug and alcohol service MELD at the moment.

Supervision

Sheriff John Mundy said that he had to “consider a custodial sentence” due to the amount of drugs discovered but said he had decided to impose an alternative sentence.

The sheriff said: “Clearly a custodial sentence is at the forefront of the court’s mind in these cases. But I am persuaded not to impose that, but only just.”

Kelly was placed under the supervision of the social work department for the next two years and told he must comply with any instructions to attend appointments with mental health services. Kelly, 35, was also ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid worth in the community.

Kelly pleaded guilty to possessing quantities of cocaine and cannabis at his home address on December 15, 2020.