by Keith Hunt

Police raided the Sittingbourne home of a mother of six and discovered she was dealing in cannabis resin, a court heard.

Tara Crayden was caught with 407g of the drug worth up to £1,800 when sold on the street.

The 29-year-old denied possessing drugs with intent to supply but was convicted. She had admitted simple possession.

Maidstone Crown Court heard officers went to Crayden’s home in Meads Avenue, Quinton, on July 16 last year and found a “considerable amount” of cannabis spread around.

Jonathan Turner, prosecuting, said 111g of the drug wrapped in tin foil and plastic film was in an underwear drawer. Also seized was a block of cannabis known as a nine bar, because it weighed 9oz. On a table in the living room was a bong, used for smoking the drug. There was also a cannabis grinder and a small set of scales.

“Her telephone was analysed to see if there was anything to indicate the defendant was dealing in drugs,” said the prosecutor. “And there was.”

There were a number of text messages. In one she told a dealer who lived nearby: “I don’t want anyone else at my door.”

She received a text asking for “a quarter until the morning”.

“So, say the Crown, the evidence in this case is quite compelling,” said Mr Turner. “She says it was for her personal use.”

Sentence was adjourned for reports until September 10.