Suspended sentence for possession of Class C drugs

Saturday 24 November 2018

Self medicating with Tramadol has landed a woman in court again, where this time she received a suspended prison sentence.

46-year-old Rebecca Sutton had been arrested in May after telling a social worker she had Tramadol tablets at her home address on Les Genats estate.

She had not been prescribed the drug since 2004, and she pleaded guilty to possessing the Class C substance at the first opportunity, the Magistrate heard.

In June this year, Sutton was found in possession of more Tramadol as well as another drug, called Buprenorphine.

Both are class C substances and both are described as being an 'opioid' which are used to treat pain. 

Pictured: Tramadol is a pain relieving class C substance (file image). 

The Magistrate's Court heard that Sutton had taken Tramadol 'on and off' for around 13 years.

Her defence lawyer said she used it to self medicate, admitting she had a "long standing issue."

Judge Philip Robey heard that Sutton had worked with voluntary agencies to tackle her personal demons and that she was well supported by those voluntary services and other agencies. She herself fulfils a number of voluntary roles too.

Judge Robey decided to hand down a prison sentence of 28 days, suspended for two years, telling Sutton he hoped she would continue her "positive work taking part in those services to try and help you."

Pictured: Sutton was sentenced by the Magistrate's Court.