Sebastian Percival faces community service after texting drug offers to an official.
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In a surprising turn of events, a young dealer has been sentenced to complete unpaid work after he inadvertently revealed his drug dealing activities through a text message sent to his housing officer. Sebastian Percival, 21, found himself in hot water when he sent a text offering a menu of illicit substances, including ‘ching’ and ‘purple haze’, while discussing his tenancy with a Highland Council worker.
The text that led to his downfall
On July 19, 2023, Percival was in communication with a housing officer regarding his tenancy when he sent a follow-up message that raised red flags. The message boasted of ‘Best prices – you won’t find better than this,’ which prompted the housing officer to suspect that Percival was involved in drug dealing.
The officer promptly reported the suspicious text to the authorities, leading to a search warrant being executed at Percival’s residence the following day.
Evidence collected during the search
Upon searching Percival’s home in Gordon Terrace, Invergordon, law enforcement officials discovered a significant quantity of herbal matter, later identified as 525.97 grams of cannabis. In addition to the drugs, officers found three sets of scales and £735 in cash. The estimated street value of the drugs was around £3,125, with the potential to reach as high as £5,205 if sold in smaller quantities.
Percival’s defense and sentencing
During his court appearance at Inverness Sheriff Court, Percival admitted to being concerned in the supply of a class B drug. His defense attorney, Mhyrin Hill, argued that Percival had turned over a new leaf after learning he was to become a father. Hill claimed that Percival’s involvement in drug dealing stemmed from naivety and a lack of understanding of the consequences of his actions.
However, Sheriff Gary Aitken was not convinced by Percival’s claims, stating, ‘That seems highly unlikely, given the text.’ The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of Percival’s actions, stating that drug dealing in any form is unacceptable. As a result, Percival was placed on a community payback order, which includes two years of supervision and 225 hours of unpaid work, serving as a direct alternative to a custodial sentence.
Implications of the case
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of drug-related offenses, especially for young individuals who may underestimate the severity of their actions. The court’s decision reflects a growing trend towards rehabilitation over incarceration, particularly for first-time offenders. As Percival embarks on his community service, it remains to be seen whether he will truly learn from this experience and make better choices in the future.
