The court heard he and his partner now have a business in Thailand and he intends to return there when freed from prison.
A fugitive drug dealer and extortionist who was tracked down in Amsterdam has been jailed for 16 months.
Declan Paton, 26, claimed he fled the country to escape criminals after running up a drug debt.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard threats continued to be made against him after his arrest and return to Scotland.
Paton, 26, formerly of Glenbervie, East Kilbride, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis in the town’s Kelvin Drive on July 12, 2021.
He also admitted extorting a car from a woman who owed him money for drugs in February 2023.
Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said Paton was caught with 138 grammes of cannabis worth £1200 when police stopped the car he was driving.
He was bailed but failed to turn up for trial in 2023.
The fiscal stated: “It became apparent he was no longer in the UK. Extradition proceedings began in January 2024.
“Paton was finally arrested in Amsterdam on November 14. He arrived at this court on February 7 and has been remanded in custody since.”
Referring to the extortion charge, Ms Mathieson said Paton menaced a woman in East Kilbride over a five-day period.
READ MORE: Hefty bill for thief who stole from council and golf clubREAD MORE: Burnside Beaver Scouts enjoy outdoor adventures at residential weekend
She told the court: “The Crown understands there was a drug debt.
“Paton texted the woman, asking where the money was. She kept saying she couldn’t source the additional income.
“He threatened her, saying if the money was not paid he would destroy her property.
“Finally she arranged to transfer her car to him. She gave him the keys and transferred ownership of the vehicle.
“A few months later, during another investigation, police found the car and returned it to her.”
READ MORE: Lanarkshire care home reunites resident with long-lost sister on her 74th birthdayREAD MORE: Crafty gran gifts Disney crochet blanket to North Lanarkshire children’s charity
Defence lawyer Bobby Reid said Paton and his partner now have a business in Thailand and he intends to return there when freed from prison.
Mr Reid stated: “He owed a drug debt to a group of individuals.
“He had become involved with the wrong people who had control over him. He decided to flee the country to get away from this horrible situation.
“Threats were made against him and these have continued since his return to Scotland.
“It’s his intention to go back to Thailand and expand his business there.”
*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
