A WOMAN who turned to drugs after a series of family bereavements has been handed a fine.

Carolyn Williams, of Bran in Plas Madoc, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old admitted that last year she had in her possession a quantity of cocaine and 38 tablets of methylmethcathinone (a controlled drug of class B).

Rhian Jackson, prosecuting said on October 2 the defendant had been involved in a collision on High Street, Rhostyllen.

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She provided a sample of saliva for a drugs swipe - which returned a positive reading.

After police recovered the drugs in multiple plastic bags from her vehicle, her phone was analysed but there was no evidence of attempts to supply.

She claimed the drugs were for personal use, and had bought a "fair quantity" of cocaine to last her about four weeks.

Ms Jackson said Williams was able to fund the drugs because she had income from three separate jobs.

The Leader: Wrexham Magistrates Court (Image: Google)Wrexham Magistrates Court (Image: Google) (Image: Google)

She was dealt with for the drug driving offence at a previous hearing - and received a 12 month driving ban, as well as a £300 fine.

Euros Jones, defending, said: "Before this day, she was a lady of good character.

"This is a lady who has had a traumatic ten years. She lost her sister and partner to suicide.

"Drugs became a crutch."

Mr Jones said his client was in the process of getting away from drugs but had a breakdown and returned to using them.

At one point she was working 85 hours a week in three jobs, but "behind closed doors" she took drugs to block things out.

Since the October incident she has sought help from a number of groups and organisations and has had one relapse - when she lost her father and brother in the space of a few weeks.

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Mr Jones said: "She is a site coordinator for a firm of kitchen fitters, it's a trusted job and the company is aware.

"She can continue her employment given she can be tested at any time.

"She's also a part time cleaner and finds working helps her.

"The problem isn't with the drugs, it is the grief that she needs to address.

"She is awaiting bereavement counselling."

Deputy District Judge Rhys Williams handed down a total fine of £250 and ordered the defendant to pay a £34 victim surcharge.

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