A degree student living on campus at the University of the West of England (UWE) supplied cannabis to friends. And when Louisa Noorland was busted she was fully cooperative, a court heard.
Noorland, 23, whose address was given as Dawnay Road, Surrey, pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply. She appeared at Bristol Crown Court for sentence today. (July 12, 2022)
Judge Euan Ambrose handed her a four-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. He told Noorland: "Dealing in drugs is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified for it. This is a hard lesson to have to learn. It is one I'm sure you will learn well."
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The judge ordered Noorland to pay £340 prosecution costs. Drugs and drugs paraphernalia seized in the case were ordered to be destroyed.
Caitlin Evans, prosecuting, said information was passed to UWE that the defendant was dealing drugs from her room. When the head of security paid a call on her and asked her if anything was there that shouldn't be, Noorland pointed to a bin containing 20.5g of cannabis worth £200 and weighing scales.
The court heard she agreed to her room being searched, and further uncovered was two cannabis grinders and snap bags. Noorland gave police the P.I.N. of her mobile phone, which showed evidence of drug dealing.
When interviewed Noorland, of previous good character, made no comment. She gave a statement saying the drugs were for personal use but she gave small amounts to a few friends in exchange for cigarettes, alcohol and cash.
Barry White, defending, said his client had stopped using drugs. He conceded Noorland was buying cannabis by the ounce and selling it to friends and friends of friends to fund her habit.
Mr White told the court: "She came within a hair's breadth of getting kicked off the course. The way she behaved afterwards convinced the University of the West of England to give her a chance."
Mr White added his client played netball at a regional level and worked in hospitality roles as well as the voluntary sector. He said: "She is a fully formed, three-dimensional human. This was a terrible mistake she made."
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