Former Brora Rangers, Elgin City and Forres Mechanics player pleads guilty to revised cocaine charge at Inverness Sheriff Court

A FORMER Highland League footballer who used to play for Brora will be sentenced in September after admitting a revised cocaine drug supply charge during a jury trial at Inverness on Wednesday.

Gordon Finlayson, a 27-year-old midfielder turned out for a number of clubs including Elgin City, Brora Rangers and Forres Mechanics. He also won the 2019 North Caledonian League player of the year award while playing for his home team of Alness United.

Finlayson, of Shillinghill, Alness, had denied being concerned in the supply of cocaine. But after two witnesses gave evidence, he admitted the offence which was slightly amended.

Fiscal depute Robert Weir told the court that 38-year-old Gemma Lennox, who lived nearby, was pruning bushes in a community garden in Shillinghill when she discovered a bag of white powder.

He said: “She showed it to her partner and then handed it over to police. Later that day, Finlayson approached her three times with regards to losing something in the bush.

“He first claimed he had lost a ball in the bush and the second and third time he claimed his friend had lost a very important bag, in a more distressed state.

“She then left and observed Finlayson and his brother searching the bush.

“Later that day, Finlayson attempted to add her via Facebook, which she declined, and his brother attempted to call her via Facebook messenger.”

Mr Weir told Sheriff Margaret Neilson that the 121.94 grams of cocaine had a wholesale value of £5000 pounds. But that it had a maximum street value if sold in one gram deals of £12,100.

Defence solicitor Graham Mann reserved his comments on behalf of first offender Finlayson until a background report had been prepared. Finlayson’s bail was continued.

Related news: Ex-Brora Rangers, Elgin City and Forres Mechanics player denies being concerned in supply of cocaine