Handgun man caught with £70,800 drug haul
A man caught in a Stirlingshire hut with heroin valued at up to £70,800 has been jailed for four years.
Gregory McAuley was hiding in the Carbeth hut after being named as a suspect in a firearms incident in Greenock, for which he was subsequently convicted.
Police officers raided the property following a tip-off.
A court heard that McAuley is currently serving an eight-year sentence for the reckless discharge of a handgun.
McCauley, 32, of Greenock, admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin in February last year.
The High Court in Glasgow was told police searched the hut and found heroin in a bedroom along with paraphernalia associated with drug supply.
Advocate depute Richard Goddard, prosecuting, said: "He has a number of previous convictions including crimes of violence and possession of weapons.
"In particular he was convicted at Glasgow High Court on 4 November, 2015 for the reckless discharge of a handgun which resulted in a sentence of eight years imprisonment being imposed."
Defence counsel Thomas Ross said McAuley fled to Carbeth after receiving death threats when he was named as a suspect in the shooting.
Mr Ross said: "He was made aware there was this hut in Carbeth.
"He realised it was used for the storage of drugs, but he didn't have any other options.
"He was aware the drugs were stored there. He looked after the drugs warehouse for a couple of days, there was no financial benefit to him.
"He needed somewhere to lie low."
Judge Paul Arthurson sentenced McAuley to four years imprisonment, consecutive to the eight years he is currently serving.