Drug dealer walked free from court only to be caught again days later

Nicholas Lynch, 26, paid the price when he was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week.

A drug dealer didn’t learn his lesson as he walked free from court only to be caught again days later.

Nicholas Lynch, 26, paid the price when he was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis at his home in Kennedy Drive, Airdrie, on October 24, 2023, while on bail for other matters.

Lynch further admitted failing to attend court for the case on August 27, 2024.

He also accepted that he had breached community payback and restriction of liberty orders imposed by the same sheriff three years ago.

In October 2023 Lynch was placed under social work supervision for two years and ordered to attend addiction services.

He was also given a six-month electronic tagging order.

On that occasion he admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis at his then home in School Street, Chapelhall, and having cannabis resin with intent to supply others.

At that time defence solicitor Paul Belardo said Lynch had been a cannabis user before “dabbling” in cocaine.

His life “spiralled out of control” after he broke his leg, lost his job as a landscaper and suffered a family bereavement.

Mr Belardo told the court: “He was supplying pals with cannabis to help him fund his cocaine habit.”

On that occasion Sheriff Paul Haran said he was willing to impose an alternative to prison because of Lynch’s youth and lack of previous convictions.

But this week the sheriff was told that Lynch became involved in drug supply again days after the 2023 hearing.

Sheriff Haran said, given the further offending and breaches of court orders, a prison sentence was inevitable.

The 30-month stretch was backdated to June 10 as Lynch has been in custody since his arrest last month.

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