Court hears woman 'bought cocaine in bulk because it was cheaper'
A judge has adjourned the case of a woman charged with possession of drugs to coincide with the court appearance of her co-accused.
Elizabeth McClure, aged 43, whose address was given as Ballygowan Park in Banbridge, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with possession of a Class A drug, namely cocaine, and possession of a Class B drug, namely cannabis.
The court heard that the charges, which date back to May 30, 2025, arose after the police stopped and searched the defendant’s co-accused.
As a result a search was carried out at the defendant’s address on May 31, 2025.
It was reported that 5g of cannabis was found in a mattress and 12 bags of white powder, said to amount to 10g, were found in a slipper being worn by the defendant at the time of the search.
Empty deal bags were also found in the defendant’s slipper.
During police interview it was stated that the defendant confirmed the white powder was cocaine for her own personal use.
A defence lawyer told the court the defendant was “going through a difficult time”.
District Judge Rosie Watters commented that the defendant had told probation during an interview to compile a pre-sentence report, that she bought cocaine in bulk because it was cheaper, that she had never tried it before, and didn’t like it.
Ms Watters continued: “She denies the possession of the cannabis and says she doesn’t know how it got there.”
Ms Watters adjourned the case until April 30, 2026 to coincide with the sentencing of the defendant’s co-accused.