A PONTYPOOL mother was jailed for three years for a string of drugs offences.

Ilona Lee, 39, of Oxford Street, Griffithstown, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after being convicted on September 17 of possessing cocaine and amphetamine with intent to supply and possessing cannabis, ketamine, and ecstasy.

She pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis resin and supplying amphetamine at an earlier hearing.

Claire Pickthall, prosecuting, told the court officers searched Lee’s home on October 13, 2008, and found up to £3,337 worth of drugs including 19.8 grammes of cocaine, 0.02 grammes of ecstasy, 313 grammes of cannabis resin, 148.8 grammes of amphetamine and 2.37 grammes of ketamine.

They also found cutting agents and other paraphernalia indicative of supplying drugs, she said.

Andrew Morse, defending, said Lee, who has two young daughters and previously worked as a manager in a bank, led a normal life up until she got into drug use through her late second husband.

He said since his death she was trying to build her life back up again the best she could.

Lee was sentenced to a total of three years for the offences.

Judge Christopher Vosper QC said it was the shortest term he could impose and added he was conscious of the stress it would cause her but he was not able to impose a sentence which did not involve custody.

Laura Hewitt, 19, of Moorland Park, Newport, who was co-accused with Lee for one count of supplying amphetamine was given a two year community and supervision order.

Hewitt pleaded guilty to the charge on May 24 but said Lee had put pressure on her to supply drugs Ms Pickthall, prosecuting, said Hewitt was in a relationship with Lee’s step son and was not pressured by Lee.

Harry Baker, defending, said the offence was serious but Hewitt was a different person now compared to who she was a year ago.

He said she showed anxiety towards her offending and showed a positive attitude towards the community.