Police Dog Milo Sniffs Out £18k Cocaine Stash Hidden in Penrith Woman’s Safe
A Penrith woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after police dog Milo helped uncover almost £18,000 worth of cocaine hidden inside a locked safe at her home.
Sarah Burton, 43, of Chase Park, Penrith, admitted possessing class A cocaine with intent to supply after officers raided her address on March 5th. Carlisle Crown Court heard that 224 grams of cocaine were found, along with cash, cutting agents, weighing scales and snap-bags.
Burton was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years. She must also complete a rehabilitation requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Police Dog Showed Interest in Bedroom Furniture
The court heard that police attended Burton’s home in Chase Park as part of a raid on March 5th.
During the search, police dog Milo was used to check the property. Prosecutor Lucy Todd told Carlisle Crown Court that Milo first showed interest in a chest of drawers.
Officers found around £400 in cash on top of the drawers.
Milo also showed interest in a bedside table, where drug-related items were discovered. The dog then indicated towards a wardrobe, where officers found a large locked safe.
Locked Safe Forced Open by Officers
After the safe was found, police forced it open.
Inside, officers discovered 224 grams of cocaine. The drugs were found in snap-bags and a purple tub.
The court heard the cocaine could have been split into 224 street deals, each worth around £80. This gave the drugs a potential street value of £17,920.
Police also found cutting agents, weighing scales and snap-bags in the same bedroom. These items were treated as evidence linked to drug supply.
Phone Messages Showed Drug Dealing Activity
The court was told that police recovered phone messages which showed Burton was actively involved in drug dealing.
After her arrest, Burton admitted the offence. She pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply.
Burton told police she had become involved because of pressure linked to a drug debt. However, the prosecution said there was nothing to support the claim that she had been acting under duress.
Defence Said Burton Was Under Pressure
Defence barrister David Wales told the court that Burton’s involvement came after she was left with a drug debt built up by a former partner.
He said she had been “warehousing” the drugs under pressure, meaning she was storing them rather than running the wider supply operation.
The court also heard Burton had been exposed to drugs from a young age and was a mother of four children, three of whom are under 18.
Burton had previous convictions, but the court was told her last conviction was in 2012 and was for an unrelated matter.
Judge Accepted She Played a Lesser Role
Recorder Philip Grundy accepted that Burton had played a lesser role in the drug supply chain.
The judge agreed that she had been under pressure and had no influence over those above her in the criminal chain.
He also took into account Burton’s childcare responsibilities and the contents of a probation service pre-sentence report.
Sentence Suspended for Two Years
Burton was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
This means she will not go to prison immediately, but could be jailed if she breaches the terms of the suspended sentence.
She must also complete a rehabilitation requirement and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
