Former Highland footballer who became ‘wealthy’ from drugs jailed

A former Highland League footballer has been jailed for seven and a half years for his role in a drugs gang.

Gordon Finlayson became a “wealthy man” from trafficking large quantities of cocaine and other drugs, the High Court in Glasgow heard.

The 31-year-old had earlier pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

The offences occurred on various dates between 2018 and 2024 at locations including Glasgow, Inverness and Dingwall.

The court heard that Finlayson remained involved in criminal activities while on remand in Inverness prison.

On Tuesday, he appeared with five other gang members at the High Court to be sentenced.

Judge Lord Mulholland told Finlayson: “This was no small time operation for pocket money.

“It was sophisticated and made you a wealthy man given that just under £300,000 was paid to you during the period of the charges.

“You had no legitimate sources of income during that time and you paid no tax.

“It was drug money, pure and simple.”

The judge said almost £500,000 of cocaine and ketamine trafficked by the gang was recovered.

Lord Mulholland added: “Even after you were caught and remanded in court for what you have pled guilty to, you were still undeterred, arranging for £38,790 to be sourced and injected into your operation.”

Another member of the gang, Liam Maiden, 31, was sentenced to five years and nine months.

He admitted being involved in cocaine dealing and money laundering.

The drugs were valued at £350,000 and £115,000 of cash was seized.

James Brannan, 31, was jailed for four and a half years for valium and amphetamine charges.

Eoghan O’Reilly, 24, was sentenced to four years and three months after he pled guilty to cocaine and cannabis trafficking.

Ryan Brodie, 40, was jailed for three years and four months for being involved in cocaine supply.

Kevin MacAskill, 43, was sentenced for 18 months after he helped move cash organised by Finlayson from his prison cell.