Gordonstoun pupil admits drugs charge
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A PUPIL at one of Scotland’s most exclusive schools spent a “night in the cells” after admitting a drugs charge.
Daniel Chow (16) pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis at Gordonstoun School and at Union Street, Aberdeen, between May 27 and June 5 this year.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard today that Chow believed giving the drug to others would “curry favour” among his peers.
Instead, he will be returning to China today after his “shocked” parents withdrew him from the Moray boarding school.
“Had he not been withdrawn, he would have been expelled,” solicitor Robert Cruickshank told the court.
Fiscal depute Shona Duncan said Chow was on weekend leave and staying with his guardian at 75 Jesmond Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, when he told a friend he had bought some cannabis.
While in the city centre on May 29, the first offender approached random passers-by and asked them if they wanted to buy the drug.
Ms Duncan said a man eventually agreed, then walked off without paying.
En route back to Elgin on May 31, the court heard Chow told another pupil he had cannabis and asked if he knew of anyone who would buy it at school.
Later, his housemaster had reason to search his room and discovered a cannabis pipe.
After house meetings, an initial denial, and a discussion with the school’s head of pastoral care, police were called in and cannabis with a street value of about £80 was found. The court heard a number of pupils revealed Chow had offered them the drug.
Mr Cruickshank said the daughter of Chow’s guardian, a retired headteacher from Aberdeen, had agreed to fly the teenager to Schiphol to ensure he gets on his connecting flight back to China.
“He has spent a night in the cells. His whole life is going to change immeasurably over the next 24 hours,” Mr Cruickshank said.
Sentencing, Sheriff Susan Raeburn said: “In respect that the school has taken appropriate action, your parents have taken appropriate action, and that you are returning to China tomorrow, I am prepared in these exceptional circumstances to admonish you.”
