Former footballer Alex Williams jailed over drug supply

Williams was released by Stenhousemuir in summer 2011

A former footballer has been jailed for more than two years after being caught with £20,000 of designer drugs.

Ex-Ayr United and Morton striker Alex Williams was arrested after police swooped on an Audi car in Pollok, Glasgow, in September 2011.

Two carrier bags were found to contain methylone and naphyrone - stimulants only made illegal in 2010.

A judge heard how a severe gambling addiction had prompted Williams to turn to crime.

The 30-year-old admitted being concerned in the supply of the drugs when he appeared at the High Court in Glasgow.

Co-accused Kristopher O'Malley, 26, also pled guilty to the same charges.

Williams was jailed for 32 months and O'Malley for 27 months.

Passing sentence judge Michael O'Grady QC said: "You must have known and understood the gravity of that course of action and understood its potential consequences for yourselves and indeed for others.

"However, you chose to take that chance."

Playing career

He told them that although their involvement was said to be "limited", every "link" in drugs chain has to be recognised and custody was appropriate.

Williams started his playing career with Stirling Albion as a teenager.

He later moved to Morton and then had a spell on loan with Queen of the South.

His other clubs included Armadale in Australia; Scottish sides Ross County, Clyde and Ayr United; and Republic of Ireland teams Dundalk and St Patrick's Athletic.

He was released by Stenhousemuir in summer 2011 after a season with the Second Division club.