A Selkirk man involved in supplying diazepam said he believed drug-taking was a personal choice.
But Sheriff Kevin Drummond warned James Sutherland the practice was illegal and he must observe the law, like anyone else.
Sutherland, 45, of Leslie Place, admitted being concerned in the supply of diazepam at King Street, Galashiels, on March 7 after police found 71 tablets and a tick list. Sheriff Drummond commented: “He is of the opinion that if someone wants to take drugs they can.”
Defence solicitor Iain Burke responded: “That is his attitude, but he accepts that there are laws in place and that he has contravened them.”
The sheriff warned Sutherland: “You don’t choose which laws you observe, and you will observe the law the same as everyone else.
“The extent of the supply is such that I am able to deal with this without a custodial sentence.”
Sutherland was sentenced to a six-month community payback order and told to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.