Larne woman jailed over £10,000 worth of drugs posted to her home from Bangkok
A 54-year-old Larne woman who had £10,000 worth of cannabis sent to her home through the post from Bangkok has received a four months prison term.
Arlene Leitch, of Regents Park, admitted importation of cannabis and attempting to possess cannabis with intent to supply in relation to July 3 in 2024.
A prosecutor told Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday that Border Force intercepted a parcel addressed to the defendant's home.
The 670 grammes of herbal cannabis was worth £10,000. It had been sent from Bangkok. The defendant initially denied any knowledge of the parcel but later entered guilty pleas.
There were messages on the defendant's mobile phone which appeared to be connected to drugs, the prosecutor said.
A defence barrister said the defendant previously worked as a driver at Larne Football Club. When arrested for the drugs offences her role was dispensed off, he added.
He said the defendant had received a barrage of abuse on social media in relation to the case.
The lawyer said the defendant has health issues and is "absolutely terrified at the prospect of going to prison".
He said the defendant had been approached by an individual about taking a parcel at her address and "naively she has done so". He said there was no evidence the defendant had obtained any significant financial gain.
He said there was nothing to show she had arranged the delivery of the drugs.
District Judge Nigel Broderick said because of the amount of drugs involved it was astounding that prosecutors had not sent the case to the Crown Court where sentencing powers were greater.
Jailing the defendant for four months he said the guilty plea meant that was the maximum sentence he could give her.
He said a deterrent message had to be sent out to anyone involving themselves in similar behaviour. The defendant was released on £500 bail pending appeal of the jail term.