A DRUG addict mother who started selling heroin to make money for a bond on a house was yesterday jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Dawn Mitchinson claimed she had only been dealing for a fortnight when she was seen by police handing over drugs to a woman on her doorstep.

Officers stopped the woman and found a 10 wrap of heroin, so they got a search warrant for Mitchinson's home in Darlington last November.

When police raided the house in Thirlmere Road, the 42-year-old immediately handed over three wraps of heroin hidden in a plastic egg.

Mitchinson told police she started selling drugs because others in her neighbourhood were dealing and she needed the money.

But she said she had worries and regrets when one of her children began asking why people were coming to the door.

Jim Withyman, mitigating, said Mitchinson had supplied just a small number of people for two weeks before she was caught on November 6.

He added: "There is no evidence of a high criminal lifestyle or big amounts of money being made - it was at the very desparate end of drug dealing."

Teesside Crown Court heard how Mitchinson had a history of taking prescribed medication and illegal drugs and had been a heroin addict.

Mr Withyman said she was now trying to ween herself off it, and is taking the prescribed heroin substitute, methadone.

Mitchinson admitted possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and supplying Class A drugs.

Recorder Sean Morris told her: "I accept you were not dealing on a vast scale, but as you told the police, the people on your street were dealing so you thought you would as well.

"The aggravating feature was that you were dealing in a house where there were children and people were coming to the house."

Mr Recorder Morris added: "Dealing in Class A drugs is peddling in misery and you know that because of the miserable experience you have had.

"There are a lot of people in your situation and they need to know, when they make lifestyle choices, the consequences of those choices.

"Those who choose to start dealing must know they will face immediate prison if caught. That's why custodial sentences are meted out - it is to deter people from this wicked crime."