A former journalist fears he may struggle to find work after being sentenced for drugs possession.

Paul Gilfeather, left, who worked as a political journalist for two national newspapers before going into PR, has been fined £300 after he admitted possessing cocaine and heroin.

Gilfeather lost his job as senior communications officer with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s office as a result of the court case.

The 46-year-old was caught with heroin worth £50 and a nominal amount of cocaine when police executed a warrant at his home address in Stanley Street, in Aberdeen, on 28 June last year.

Gilfeather has also previously worked as an external communications manager at Aberdeen City Council.

A report of his sentencing hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court was carried in last Friday’s edition of the Aberdeen Evening Express.

Gregor Kelly, in mitigation, told the court: “In the last year, he has struggled with depression and anxiety. He doesn’t try to excuse himself but his ability to find employment because of this will be difficult.”

Sheriff Jack Brown ruled Gilfeather could pay the fine at £75 a month.