PC son of police federation chief jailed for cocaine deals

PC Craig Flowers supplied cocaine to his friends at various locations in Glasgow and Lanarkshire over a two-year period.

He was caught with bags of the drug at Ingram Street in Glasgow in September 2008 after being placed under surveillance by the force's Counter Corruption Unit.

The 33-year-old's father, Norrie Flowers, was a major figure in Scottish policing, representing the interests of front-line officers in his role as head of the SPF. He accompanied his son to court for the original court hearing.

Sentencing the PC at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday, Sheriff Joanna Johnston said: "You have accepted your involvement in the supply of a class-A drug over a lengthy period.

"Given that you were a serving police officer at the time with a duty to uphold, it is particularly concerning that you acted in such a fashion."

At an earlier hearing, Flowers, of Motherwell, admitted dealing cocaine from his home and various Glasgow city centre locations between January 2007 and September 2008. He also pled guilty to possessing the drug in Glasgow, on 27 September, 2008.

He was originally charged with dealing ecstasy as well, but the Crown accepted his not-guilty plea to that charge.

Prosecutor Anthony Bonnar told the court that Strathclyde Police's Counter Corruption unit received a tip-off in July 2008 that Flowers was using and dealing in cocaine.

Mr Bonnar said: "The unit was then authorised to conduct directed surveillance on the accused.

"On Saturday, 27 September, 2008, the accused was seen walking with a man in Ingram Street and, as he did so, there appeared to be something passed between the two men.

"The accused was then detained and searched, and was found to be in possession of three plastic bags containing white powder."

The court heard that the drugs had a total street value of 120.

Flowers told the officers: "Look, what I got today, it's cocaine. I bought three for 100 to share with my friends.

"I've got a habit but it's under control, there's no problem."

Officers later discovered that Flowers was part of a group of about 20 friends who regularly used the drug.

Mr Bonnar added: "The social group included individuals with professional qualifications and careers but who were in the habit of visiting club venues and consuming cocaine."

The court heard that Flowers – who has since resigned from the police – only took the drug when he was off-duty.

Defence advocate Mark Moir told the court his client was only concerned in "social supply" and never profited from what he was doing. Mr Moir added: "Mr Flowers has expressed huge regret over his actions."

Norrie Flowers, who lives in Motherwell, became chairman of the Scottish Police Federation in 2002 but has since been replaced by Inspector Les Gray.