A grandmother at the heart of a family drug supply network has been locked up for more than five years.
Amada Sharp was arrested three times in just a matter of weeks while in possession of a quantity of cocaine and amphetamine as well as other paraphernalia associated with the illicit drug trade.
The 54-year-old, who has a long history of drug offences on her record, was allegedly involved with supplying the Class A and B drugs with her son and grandson, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Ian West, prosecuting, said the defendant was initially arrested in her Middlesbrough home after a stash of amphetamine and a quantity of cash were recovered from the property but she maintained that was just for her own use.
He said two officers spotted Sharp getting into a taxi on March 6 and became suspicious of her behaviour and pulled the vehicle over on Acklam Road, Middlesbrough.
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“She was in possession of a carrier bag containing a quantity of cash; a notebook with names and numbers in it; a large rock of cocaine; 18 individual deals of cocaine; a phone; electronic scales; and snap bags,” he added.
“She told police, she was on her way to deliver it to her son, who is being dealt with in a separate set of offences.”
The court heard that police raided Sharp’s home on Essex Road, Middlesbrough, on April 14 and recovered a stash of cocaine and amphetamine hidden in the pockets of her grandson’s dressing gown.
Mr West said: “It appears that Amanda Sharp is at the centre of a little family drug dealing business, which includes her son and grandson, and possibly others.”
He added that the defendant had served previous custodial sentences for drug offences in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2013. Sharp was also convicted of taking drugs into a prison in 2018.
Sharp pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and amphetamine, and a charge of simple possession of a Class B drug.
Emma Williams, in mitigation, said her client was an amphetamine user herself and faced losing her home as a result of her latest conviction but maintains that she was under pressure to sell the drugs.
She added: “She is aware and understands that she is facing a custodial sentence, she accepts that she has an unenviable record.”
Recorder Peter Makepeace KC sentenced Sharp to a total of five years and three months for all charges telling her she was the ‘gift who kept giving’ to police for her repeated offending.
“It is a truly appalling record of previous convictions for drug supply, it has obviously been your business for a significant part of your life,” he said.
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