A mother who was found in possession of cocaine was "put under pressure" to deal drugs and was attacked by her dealer after she gave evidence against him. She also claimed her car had been attacked with golf clubs.
Sarah Parfitt, 38, was arrested by police on September 17, 2021, after a warrant was executed at her home in Cwmbran. During a search of the property a total of 19g of cocaine was seized.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday heard various drug paraphernalia was discovered including a large quantity of grip seal bags, a large pot of cannabis, weighing scales, three phones, two envelopes containing cash, and a further £80 in cash.
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Prosecutor Peter Donnison said he phones were examined and were found to contain a number of messages relating to drug dealing. Various voicemails were found from customers asking Parfitt if she "has any". The defendant also sent out advertisements to drug users and received messages from customers asking for cocaine and cannabis.
Parfitt, of Molescombe, Fairwater, later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. The court heard she had two previous convictions for theft and assaulting an emergency worker.
In mitigation Tabitha Walker said her client was remorseful for her actions and assisted the police and Crown Prosecution Service in the prosecution of her dealer Lewis Phillips who was said to have placed pressure on Parfitt to deal drugs. Ms Walker said the defendant been attacked by Mr Phillips and his partner at a garage and in a separate incident her car was attacked with golf clubs.
As a result Parfitt went to live in a women's refuge and "still lives in fear" of Phillips, who was jailed for six years. The defence barrister said her client began using cocaine during an abusive relationship in order to cope and was "over her head" after racking up a debt.
Sentencing, Recorder Andrew Hammond said: "You are a victim of an exploitive personal situation which had led to use using cocaine yourself and being led into your involvement in the supply. That does not excuse your offending."
The judge said there was a realistic prospect of Parfitt's rehabilitation and he sentenced her to 18 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months. She was ordered to carry out an eight-day rehabilitation activity requirement and complete 180 hours unpaid work.
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