A woman who kept drugs in her handbag was given a 12-month conditional discharge by magistrates yesterday.

Gina Reynolds, 32, admitted possessing 40g of amphetamine and 4g of cannabis resin at South Durham Magistrates' Court.

Police found the drugs after raiding Reynolds home in Edgemoor Road, Darlington, on July 16.

Stephen Andrews, in mitigation, said Reynolds had been planning to take the drugs on a night out with friends to "find solace".

She was at a low-ebb, he added, because of problems with her long-term partner, a heroin addict.

"They do have an 11-year-old daughter," said Mr Andrews. "It's not been an easy decision but the relationship is over. He's not going to get her down to the same level in future because he's not going to be put up in the house."

Reynolds was ordered to pay £34 costs in addition to the conditional discharge. Magistrates ordered the drugs be forfeited and destroyed.