A Penrith mum’s cocaine supply crime was exposed after a police dog sniffed out a drug stash in a locked safe at her home.
Officers executed a warrant at the town address of 42-year-old Sarah Burton yesterday, March 5, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court was told today.
“During the course of the search, a drug dog made a positive indication upon a locked safe in the defendant’s bedroom,” said prosecutor George Shelley.
When entry was forced to the safe, cocaine was found inside.
A police drug expert concluded that the 224g stash had a potential street value of £17,920.
Cutting agent, weighing scales and snap-bags were also found.
“Admissions were made in interview,” said Mr Shelley. “Duress was raised out of a drug debt. But when questioned on further details she answered ‘no comment’ in that regard.”
Burton, of Chase Park, Penrith, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing class A controlled drug cocaine with intent to supply.
The court heard a potential sentencing starting point was four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment, with a range of three-and-a-half to seven years.
Defence solicitor Geoff Lockerbie, mitigating, said it was clear that sentence should be passed by a crown court judge, such was the offence seriousness.
The case was adjourned to April 7, when Burton will receive her punishment at Carlisle Crown Court.
In the meantime mum-of-three Burton was granted unconditional bail which, said Mr Lockerbie, would allow her to make family and personal arrangements.
“She understands she is going to get a prison sentence,” said the lawyer.
