A Dunedin woman has narrowly avoided jail time after being found with almost two kilograms of cannabis.
Ashley Margaret Kirby, 26, said she was committed to rehabilitation after being convicted of possessing cannabis for supply, the Dunedin District Court heard last week.
On December 9, the woman and her partner were at their home in Christchurch when police executed a search warrant.
Kirby was co-operative with police when they found 1802g of cannabis, digital scales, zip-lock bags and $4000 cash.
Counsel Sophia Thorburn said there was some degree of coercion involved and the motivation for drug-dealing was to fund a methamphetamine habit.
"She went along with whatever [her partner] told her to do," she said.
"She has done whatever she can to distance herself from her former lifestyle. She doesn’t want to touch that substance any more," Ms Thorburn said.
The woman had moved cities due to the "very strong family support" she had in Dunedin.
"She has somewhere safe and pro-social to go," she said.
"This is incredibly serious offending," Judge Emma Smith said.
"But I can see you are healthier and happier. Your road to recovery has just started."
Judge Smith sentenced Kirby to eight months’ home detention and gave her a stern warning.
"If you breach your sentence, I assure you, you will be in deep deep trouble."
erin.cox@odt.co.nz , PIJF court reporter
