A youth football coach has avoided prison after he admitted being involved in a cocaine operation.
Ryan Boyle wasn't caught with drugs, but police found incriminating messages on his phone.
Boyle, of Hawick Street, Wishaw, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday where he was given a community payback order because of the "exceptional" circumstances.
The 31-year-old admitted being involved in the supply of cocaine between August and September 2017.
Sheriff Martin Jones expressed concern at the length of time it had taken to bring him to court.
The prosecution couldn't give an explanation for the delay.
The court heard that cocaine worth £1900 was seized from another man's home in Wishaw in August 2017.
His phone was seized and it emerged that he'd been in contact with Boyle in the days leading up to the raid.
One message referred to 'sorting you out with another thousand tomorrow'.
In another message Boyle said he was 'still waiting on a delivery, mate'.
Police officers then went to Boyle's home and seized his phone.
More messages indicating involvement in drug dealing were found.
These included him saying 'Sound mate. I usually charge 500 an ounce, but it's good stuff'.
Defence agent Calum Weir described Boyle as a "go-between" in the cocaine operation.
The lawyer stated: "He wasn't involved physically with the drugs. He ran the phone, but accepts this is a crucial part in the supply chain.
"It's a period in his life that he very much regrets.
"Hopefully he has learned from his stupidity. He appreciates the harm this activity causes society."
Boyle runs his own business and coaches youngsters at Cambusnethan Talbot FC.
Sheriff Martin Jones told him: "This type of offence usually results in prison.
"But we are now nearly five years down the line and you have not offended since.
"You assist youngsters playing football and you employ others.
"I have decided, exceptionally, not to impose a custodial sentence."
Boyle was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work.
He will also be confined to his home at night for six months under an electronic tagging order.
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