A woman put under “enormous pressure” to deal drugs amid threats of violence has been spared an immediate jail term after a judge decided he could take an exceptional sentencing course.
Sophie Louise Porter, now aged 26, was punished at Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon for offending which dated back to 2020.
Porter’s criminal activity came to light in December of that year when police found 39g of heroin, 20g of cannabis in a Tesco carrier bag close to a caravan in which she had been living. Cutting agents and illegally-held drug sale proceeds of £2,000 were also seized.
Porter later admitted the illegal possession of the class A and B drugs, and possessing criminal property. This was on the agreed basis that she had been “under enormous pressure” and had received threats of violence from others in Cumbria to commit the crimes after a drug debt was accrued. No significant gain being made by Porter, who had stated: “I only did this to keep trouble from our door.”
Defence lawyer Sean Harkin told the sentencing hearing that Porter, a new mother, had since moved out of Cumbria and was seeking to live a law-abiding life while also having caring responsibilities for others. “I would suggest the risk of reoffending is low,” said Mr Harkin. “The prospects of rehabilitation are very good.”
Porter, previously of Oldside, Workington, had a 21-month prison sentence suspended for two years by Recorder Peter Horgan. The judge said it was important for the public to know that those who peddled class A drugs would almost inevitably be sent to prison. But concluded: “This is an exceptional case, in my view.” Porter must complete 150 hours’ unpaid work and a rehabilitation requirement.
