An Aberdeen drug courier agreed to transport cash so he could earn money for Christmas presents for his children and grandchildren, a court heard.
But when police stopped Jason Hawe in Aberdeen they found he was carrying nearly half a kilo of high-purity crack cocaine with a potential street value of up to £93,000.
Hawe, 46, of Fountain Grange, Aberdeen, appeared for sentence at the High Court in Livingston today after earlier admitting being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug in December 2021 at Seaton Road in the city and elsewhere.
He also admitted previous convictions including a six-month prison sentence for being concerned in the supply of the class B drug cannabis in 2004.
Kelly Duling, defending, said Hawe had managed to stay out of trouble since 2009, but financial hardship had played a major part in him becoming involved in the drugs trade again.
‘Now motivated to be a better father and grandfather’
“In the run-up to Christmas this was a foolish attempt to raise funds for Christmas presents for his children, and grandchildren as well.
“Mr Hawe is motivated to move forward and not get involved in more offending so he can be a better father and a better grandfather.
“He’s devastated by the impact a custodial sentence will have on his relationship and his family.
“He’s keen to live a crime-free life and wants to demonstrate that he’s capable of that.”
Judge Lord Lake sentenced Hawe to 40 months imprisonment.
He highlighted that the cocaine had a purity of 63% and had a wholesale value of between £15,000 and £50,000.
‘A significant amount of cocaine’
He told the accused: “Divided down to street sales it would be worth up to £93,000 so it’s a significant amount of cocaine.
“Your role was concerned with moving the drugs and moving money. It’s a fairly significant role motivated by financial hardship.
“That’s something of a double-edged sword – the fact you were doing it for money motivated by wanting to provide for your children and grandchildren in the run-up to Christmas.”
He added: “You had a period of 12 years with no offending prior to this offence and that’s something I require to give you credit for. I also give you credit for the fact that you pled guilty at the earliest opportunity so I will give you a discount of one-third on your sentence.
“In view of the quantity of drugs and the fact you have a previous relevant conviction I consider only a custodial sentence is appropriate.”
He said the headline sentence would have been five years in prison but that fell to be reduced by 30% to 40 months, backdated to February 2 when Hawe was remanded in custody.
The court was told at a previous hearing that officers had intelligence the car Hawe was driving was being used in the illegal drugs trade.
Hawe’s Seat car was seen parked up in an Aberdeen street on December 28 2021 and kept under observation.
The car was later stopped with unemployed Hawe in the driver’s seat and a plastic bag was recovered from the vehicle.
Hawe was detained and during an interview admitted being involved in couriering drugs or cash which was drug money.
He said: “I didn’t know it was crack in the bag. I just thought it was cash.”
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