Mother jailed after £5k heroin and cocaine haul is found in her home

Police uncovered the haul of cocaine and heroin when they swooped on Laura Winchurch's flat in Acorn Mews, Willenhall, on April 20 following a tip off, a judge heard.

As the officers prepared to launch the raid at 6.30am an Audi driven by Kirk Smart parked outside.

The 36-year-old was seen entering the building and arrested as he emerged soon afterwards.

A search revealed he was carrying £800 worth of drugs packaged into bundles with each containing several £10 wraps of heroin and cocaine for street deals, Mr Geoffrey Dann, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Smart also had the keys to a Vauxhall Tigra parked in the area and unspecified amounts of cash were found in this vehicle as well as the Audi.

Winchurch was in the flat where police discovered more drugs and money, the court heard.

There was £345 cash hidden in a colander in a kitchen cupboard together with varying amounts of crack, cocaine and a cutting agent.

Significant

Some of the drugs had already been parcelled into 106 £10 street deals of cocaine and heroin, continued Mr Dann, who added that both Smart and Winchurch played significant roles in the operation.

She had several previous convictions, one of which was for producing cannabis, and gave a 'no comment' interview when quizzed by detectives.

Mr Simon Hunka, defending her, conceded: "There was an element of financial gain, not to make her rich but to enable her to fund her own drug taking.

"What happened is entirely her own fault but it occured after she had been through a difficult time."

The lawyer revealed Winchurch had been diagnosed as Bipolar three years ago and had been through the trauma of having to terminate a pregnancy for medical reasons. Her father is also seriously ill, the court was told.

Mr Hunka pointed out that the defendant had recently moved into the flat and her child had remained with relatives so was not being brought up among the drugs.

Winchurch, who admitted possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply, was sent to prison by Recorder Geoffrey Kelly.

He said: "This was a well established street dealing operation. You have had difficult personal circumstances but were dealing to friends for financial gain and there must be a deterrent effect.

"I have no doubt you will get your life back on track following your release."

The case against Smart, who pleaded guilty to the same offence, was adjourned until next month when he is expected to be sentenced.