A DALMELLINGTON man has been jailed after importing cannabis through Prestwick Airport after feeling 'menaced into it' by his cousin in Spain.

Edward McConville pleaded guilty to charges of importing two class B substances and he recently attended Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing.

The 54-year-old had admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin as well as supplying the same class B substance in herbal form, on December 18, 2022.

The court heard he felt pressured by his 'high operator' cousin, Peter McConville, after revealing he placed the haul in Edward McConville's holiday luggage. It was claimed he never intended to profit from the cannabis.

Not guilty pleas to two further charges of fraudulently evading prohibitions on controlled cannabis and hashish under the Customs and Excise Act were accepted by prosecutors.

We previously reported bail was granted for McConville, of Hillcrest, Bellsbank, who later pleaded guilty ahead of trial at the Ayrshire court.

When he appeared for sentencing, his defence advocate said: "He accepts his guilt, not for putting it in but knowing it was in his suitcase. He certainly blames his cousin.

"The accused and Peter McConville are cousins. The accused was invited to Spain with his young son.

"At the airport he was advised on leaving the car he, Peter McConville, had put a package of cannabis in his suitcase.

"He was told it would be fine and someone would come to his house and get the package from him.

"He remembered many years ago he [Peter McConville] had cause to be prosecuted in the High Court.

"The accused said he was extremely alarmed and distressed while with his young son.

"I can advise as an officer of the court the man was extradited from Spain to Scotland in respect of drug matters. 

"He [Peter McConville] is a man responsible for involving his own solicitor in bringing drugs into HMP Barlinnie many years ago.

"He is a high operator.

"He was manipulated and menaced into it. He is devastated as he had his son with him.

"There is no proceeds of crime matters, it was simply a one-off.

"He was a low end in this scheme and not going to benefit financially.

"I would ultimately invite you to deal with this in a non custodial way.

"He was the victim of menacing but there were options open to him."

Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart said: "This is a very serious serious offence and he [defence] has said everything he can for you.

"I'm not going look behind explanation, I'm sure it's researched and the position prevails, but I have to remember you plead guilty to two separate charges of cannabis and cannabis resin. 

"It may well be you were not going to benefit but I have to make clear to you anyone involved for any reason in the supply chain is committing a very, very serious offence.

"I cannot step back from custody I will take account of what was said on your behalf."

McConville was jailed for 12 months, reduced from 14 months due to his guilty plea.