More young people faced ruined career prospects yesterday as the problem of drugs at Scotland’s biggest music festival once again raised its head.
Just last month a sheriff warned that illegal substances remained the scourge of T in the Park, despite organisers’ zero-tolerance approach and strict policing and search policies.
At Perth Sheriff Court on Friday two young people were told they had risked their futures by dabbling in illegal drugs.
The most serious consequences await student and Lead Scout Ross Jones, who was caught selling ecstasy at this year’s event.
He was dubbed a “drug trafficker” during his appearance in the dock before Sheriff Mark Stewart, who deferred sentence upon him to consider a harsher penalty than a fine.
Also appearing at court was 24-year-old Connie McMillan, a first offender who has worked for years with a charity that supports young people who have been affected by serious trauma.
She was fined £375 after admitting being in possession of the same class A drug, but was warned by the sheriff the longer-lasting consequences of her offence would “probably not be financial”.
The court first heard 19-year-old Jones entered the music festival without any drugs but, alongside a group of pals, had nonetheless hatched a scheme to make illicit substances pay. Pooling their resources, they approached an acquaintance in the main arena and purchased a large quantity of ecstasy tablets to sell on at a profit.
Jones, of Lilybank Avenue in Muirhead, Glasgow, was selling the £5 tablets for £10 apiece when his activities were spotted by plain-clothes officers in the Slam Tent on July 13. A search revealed a bag containing 28 tablets and £85 in cash. In court, he admitted being concerned in the supply of the drug.
“He purchased the drugs to sell them on with a view to making a profit,” said solicitor James Carmichael. “This is a significant departure from his usual behaviour. He comes from a respectable family.
“He currently works in a shop, earning the princely sum of £70 a week, and it may be that this persuaded him to take part in this scheme.”
Having listened to the solicitor’s words, Sheriff Stewart told the accused: “I don’t understand how someone with your advantages in life finds himself caught up in drug trafficking, which is what this was.
“You have a single previous conviction but it is for drug possession and this should have acted as a wake-up call for you.”
The court was told the conviction could affect Jones’s attempts to secure a place at college, but the fallout may be felt more immediately by fellow festival-goer Connie McMillan.
She was stopped by security staff as she attempted to enter the festival’s main arena on July 13. A search of her purse revealed 65 ecstasy tablets.
McMillan, of Arran Road in Motherwell, admitted being in possession of the drug.
Solicitor Gerard Devaney told the court: “She works with an organisation that helps young people who have faced trauma in their lives. This is a tragedy for her as she has been employed there for seven years now and prior to that worked for the group as a volunteer.
“She has attended the festival and has let her hair down. Clearly she has let herself down too.”
Sheriff Stewart said: “You were in possession of a significant number of tablets with a not-insignificant value. This act of stupidity could have ramifications for your future employment.”