A WOMAN has been spared an immediate jail sentence after admitting dealing cocaine and heroin in Bournemouth.

Suzanne Rachael Nias, aged 44, of Wootton Gardens, Bournemouth, was handed a 22-month prison term, suspended for two years, when she appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, February 26.

Nias, who had previously plead guilty to possession of cocaine and heroin, and supplying cocaine and heroin, was arrested on July 11, last year.

The court heard how Nias was spotted approaching a group of suspected drugs users by officers from the Bournemouth South Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) while they patrolled the Stafford Road area that morning.

Officers approached the group and detained Nias. Following a search, she was found to be in possession of money and a phone.

A package also dropped to the floor from her hand, which was believed to contain heroin and crack cocaine.

She was arrested in connection with the incident and a search of her home address was carried out. A handbag was found that contained a handwritten piece of paper with a phone number on it.

Police Constable Stuart Grant, of Bournemouth South NPT, said: “Dorset Police takes drug dealing and drug-related activity extremely seriously as we recognise the detrimental impact it can have on our communities.

“We are committed to working with our partners and the community to tackle drug misuse and dealing and I would urge anyone with information about suspected drug related activity to contact at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”