Drug Dealer who sold cocaine to buy food avoids Jail

A Newcastle woman caught dealing cocaine to feed her addictions and buy food has avoided jail.

Bernadette O’Donnell, of Lemington, was arrested after police raided her home in June 2021 and found cocaine worth up to £3,060, along with drug paraphernalia including a debtors list and scales.

Text messages on her phone confirmed she had been selling drugs. She admitted supplying cocaine between June 10–25, 2021, and possessing it with intent to supply.

O’Donnell told the court she was addicted to crack and alcohol at the time and had been dealing to a “handful” of friends to support herself. She has since stayed out of trouble and started addressing her addictions.

Newcastle Crown Court sentenced her to two years, suspended for two years, along with a £100 fine and rehabilitation.