A WOMAN who had almost £750-worth of cannabis in her home has been sentenced - despite a court hearing a man had come forward to take the rap for her.

Jacqueline Purkiss, of Hardy Close in Wimborne, was arrested after a drugs warrant was executed at her home. Officers discovered two large clear plastic bags stuffed with cannabis during the search on the morning of Thursday, October 13 2016.

One of the bags contained 54.93 grams of cannabis. The second had 19.32g of the drug stashed inside.

The total street value of the haul is estimated to be £740.

Police also found a list of phone numbers and bank details, three sets of scales and a small plastic grinder. Messages on Purkiss's mobile phone were recovered which read: "Got smoke now" and "Do you need any smoke?"

On Monday, Purkiss, 52, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court to be sentenced after admitting being concerned in the supply of a class B drug. She initially denied the charge, and was due to face a trial when police became aware of a "third party" who allegedly came forward to admit being the drug dealer.

Stuart Ellacott, prosecuting, said the "further work" was undertaken and the trial was vacated.

Purkiss eventually admitted the charge on the basis that she was "under the direction of another person".

No one else has yet been charged in relation to the raid, and Mr Ellacott said the CPS are "still awaiting a charging decision".

Robert Grey, mitigating, said the solicitors instructing him in the case were contacted by a man who "said he was responsible for all of it" and Purkiss had "no responsibility".

"He said the cannabis was his and any dealing was down to him," Mr Grey told the court.

"The prosecution was informed some time ago and police then interviewed this man under caution. It was a long interview and he made some admissions to supplying and accepted possession of cannabis."

Despite this, a decision whether or not to charge the man is "still awaited", Mr Grey said.

"I was told by my solicitor he was going to take responsibility for everything," he added.

"I asked them to take a statement, and this was referred to the CPS."

Purkiss, an agoraphobic, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with a rehabilitation activity requirement.

PC Ian Curtis said: “Dorset Police recognises the impact drug dealing and drug-related activity has on communities and we are committed to taking action against offenders like Purkiss who are involved in the supply of drugs.

“We will always respond to information from the community and urge anyone who has concerns about drug dealing or drug use to contact Dorset Police."