A CLYDEBANK man who was arrested with drugs at his brother’s home has been jailed for three years.

James Elvin was picked up at a property in Goldenhill Court, Hardgate, on March 24 when officers arrived to investigate a separate matter.

The 42-year-old appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to dealing cannabis and being concerned in the supply of Etizolam tablets to others.

Prosecutor Claire Nicholls told last Tuesday’s court hearing: “The offence happened at the home of the accused’s brother. James Elvin was staying there at the time. Police arrived at 9.20am on a separate matter.

“When they went into the living room they saw brown resinous material and he was detained and taken to Clydebank police office.

“The house was searched and a list of names was found on a bit of paper.

“A search warrant was granted and a number of items were found in a cool box.

“There was a total of 3,500 tablets and some more resinous material.”

The court heard that the cannabis discovered was valued at £8,000 and the tablets at £300.

The court was told that Elvin, who was listed in court papers as an inmate at Low Moss prison in Bishopbriggs, was last convicted of drug dealing in 2011, when he was sentenced to six years in jail.

Last week’s hearing was told he had been released on parole on August 30, 2014, after serving half of that sentence.

Elvin’s lawyer told the court that his client had been working as a full-time glazier, but had lost his employment and had “considerable” debts of up to £16,000.

The lawyer said: “He decided to do what he did and realises he has to face the consequences. He is remorseful.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: “You are continuing to be involved in drug dealing, and added with your previous record this makes this an even more serious offence.”

Elvin was jailed for 30 months for dealing in cannabis and to a further six months for dealing in the class C tablets.

The sentence was reduced from four years because of his early plea.