Larne woman (54) receives four months jail term after £10,000 worth of cannabis was sent 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 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. Leitch initially denied any knowledge of the parcel but later entered guilty pleas.
There were messages on her 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 she 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".
District Judge Nigel Broderick said because of the amount of drugs involved it was "astounding" prosecutors hadn’t sent the case to the Crown Court where sentencing powers were greater.
Jailing the defendant for four months, he said a deterrent message had to be sent out to anyone involving themselves in similar behaviour. She was released on £500 bail pending appeal.