A Perth resident has been handed a supervision order and a restriction of liberty after admitting to his involvement in a local cannabis supply operation. The sentencing at Perth Sheriff Court followed an investigation that uncovered a significant quantity of illegal substances at his home.
David Owen, 36, found himself in the dock for a crime committed on September 1 of last year. This conviction comes at a challenging time for Owen, who earlier this year, in July 2025, endured a horrifying alleged fire attack that left him with severe burns across 15% of his body. The incident necessitated a six-week hospital stay, and he remains unable to work due to his injuries and ongoing recovery. Details Emerge from Police Investigation
The court heard that authorities executed a drug search warrant at Owen’s Perth property on the aforementioned date. Upon entry, officers located Owen in a bedroom. While other individuals were present in the flat at the time, Owen promptly took sole responsibility for all illicit drugs discovered. This admission simplified the police’s investigation, directing their focus entirely to him.
During the search, law enforcement recovered more than 266 grams of herbal cannabis from various bedrooms within the premises. Accompanying the drug haul were items commonly associated with distribution: a ‘tick list’ — a ledger of debts or transactions — along with cash and digital scales. Several electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, and a tablet, were also seized as potential evidence related to the drug activities.
Fiscal depute Katie Stewart detailed the street value of the confiscated cannabis, estimating it to be between £1,745 and £2,640, depending on how the illicit substance was packaged and sold. Owen’s candid cooperation continued during his interview at Dundee police headquarters, where he reiterated that the drugs belonged exclusively to him, absolving others who were at the property. Personal Struggles and the Path to Recovery
Representing Owen, solicitor Finlay Crowe outlined his client’s personal circumstances to the court. Owen has been grappling with significant mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, which were exacerbated by losing his employment shortly before the police raid. Mr. Crowe explained that Owen’s cannabis dealing was primarily driven by a need to finance his own substantial consumption of the drug, rather than purely for commercial gain.
The defence counsel addressed Sheriff Mark O’Hanlon’s query about the purpose of the ‘tick list,’ clarifying that it served as a personal record for Owen to track his supply and manage outstanding payments related to his own usage and limited distribution to a close circle. This painted a picture of a troubled individual caught in a cycle of substance dependence.
Adding to his existing struggles, the alleged fire attack in July 2025 inflicted devastating physical injuries. Mr. Crowe emphasized that Owen’s extensive burns have left him profoundly incapacitated, rendering him incapable of undertaking any form of gainful employment. His time in hospital and subsequent rehabilitation have significantly impacted his ability to function normally, creating a complex backdrop to his current legal predicament. Sentencing Challenges and Community Support
Given Owen’s precarious health and his role as a father, the court faced limited options for sentencing. Sheriff O’Hanlon acknowledged these constraints, noting that traditional penalties such as unpaid work in the community were unfeasible due to his injuries. Similarly, a curfew, another common non-custodial sentence, presented difficulties given his responsibilities to his child.
The sheriff explicitly stated that a fine would be entirely “inappropriate” considering the gravity of the offence and Owen’s financial vulnerability. Navigating these complexities, Sheriff O’Hanlon ultimately imposed a four-month restriction of liberty order, requiring Owen to remain at a specified address during designated hours. Additionally, he was placed under supervision for a period of nine months, a measure intended to provide structured support as he works towards rehabilitation and addresses his underlying issues with alcohol and substance misuse.
In a separate development, a community-led online fundraiser was initiated to assist Owen and his family during his arduous recovery from the alleged arson attack. The GoFundMe page details the horrific nature of his injuries, describing “life-threatening and severe burns to his chest, back, neck, and face,” and the agonizing process of skin grafts. It highlights the devastating impact on his small child and partner, underscoring how a “night out at the pub turned violent beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.”
This fundraiser reflects a local outpouring of concern for Owen’s personal trauma, even as he faces legal consequences for his past actions. Meanwhile, in connection with the alleged fire attack, a 36-year-old man has been formally charged with attempted murder, with the case proceeding through the judicial system in connection with an incident on North Methven Street.
David Owen, 36, found himself in the dock for a crime committed on September 1 of last year. This conviction comes at a challenging time for Owen, who earlier this year, in July 2025, endured a horrifying alleged fire attack that left him with severe burns across 15% of his body. The incident necessitated a six-week hospital stay, and he remains unable to work due to his injuries and ongoing recovery. Details Emerge from Police Investigation
The court heard that authorities executed a drug search warrant at Owen’s Perth property on the aforementioned date. Upon entry, officers located Owen in a bedroom. While other individuals were present in the flat at the time, Owen promptly took sole responsibility for all illicit drugs discovered. This admission simplified the police’s investigation, directing their focus entirely to him.
During the search, law enforcement recovered more than 266 grams of herbal cannabis from various bedrooms within the premises. Accompanying the drug haul were items commonly associated with distribution: a ‘tick list’ — a ledger of debts or transactions — along with cash and digital scales. Several electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, and a tablet, were also seized as potential evidence related to the drug activities.
Fiscal depute Katie Stewart detailed the street value of the confiscated cannabis, estimating it to be between £1,745 and £2,640, depending on how the illicit substance was packaged and sold. Owen’s candid cooperation continued during his interview at Dundee police headquarters, where he reiterated that the drugs belonged exclusively to him, absolving others who were at the property. Personal Struggles and the Path to Recovery
Representing Owen, solicitor Finlay Crowe outlined his client’s personal circumstances to the court. Owen has been grappling with significant mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, which were exacerbated by losing his employment shortly before the police raid. Mr. Crowe explained that Owen’s cannabis dealing was primarily driven by a need to finance his own substantial consumption of the drug, rather than purely for commercial gain.
The defence counsel addressed Sheriff Mark O’Hanlon’s query about the purpose of the ‘tick list,’ clarifying that it served as a personal record for Owen to track his supply and manage outstanding payments related to his own usage and limited distribution to a close circle. This painted a picture of a troubled individual caught in a cycle of substance dependence.
Adding to his existing struggles, the alleged fire attack in July 2025 inflicted devastating physical injuries. Mr. Crowe emphasized that Owen’s extensive burns have left him profoundly incapacitated, rendering him incapable of undertaking any form of gainful employment. His time in hospital and subsequent rehabilitation have significantly impacted his ability to function normally, creating a complex backdrop to his current legal predicament. Sentencing Challenges and Community Support
Given Owen’s precarious health and his role as a father, the court faced limited options for sentencing. Sheriff O’Hanlon acknowledged these constraints, noting that traditional penalties such as unpaid work in the community were unfeasible due to his injuries. Similarly, a curfew, another common non-custodial sentence, presented difficulties given his responsibilities to his child.
The sheriff explicitly stated that a fine would be entirely “inappropriate” considering the gravity of the offence and Owen’s financial vulnerability. Navigating these complexities, Sheriff O’Hanlon ultimately imposed a four-month restriction of liberty order, requiring Owen to remain at a specified address during designated hours. Additionally, he was placed under supervision for a period of nine months, a measure intended to provide structured support as he works towards rehabilitation and addresses his underlying issues with alcohol and substance misuse.
In a separate development, a community-led online fundraiser was initiated to assist Owen and his family during his arduous recovery from the alleged arson attack. The GoFundMe page details the horrific nature of his injuries, describing “life-threatening and severe burns to his chest, back, neck, and face,” and the agonizing process of skin grafts. It highlights the devastating impact on his small child and partner, underscoring how a “night out at the pub turned violent beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.”
This fundraiser reflects a local outpouring of concern for Owen’s personal trauma, even as he faces legal consequences for his past actions. Meanwhile, in connection with the alleged fire attack, a 36-year-old man has been formally charged with attempted murder, with the case proceeding through the judicial system in connection with an incident on North Methven Street.