A SOUTHAMPTON woman caught with more than 40 cannabis deals in a sweet tin, told police: “I have never done this before. I needed the money.”

Naomi Sullivan, 33, was arrested after officers went to her home with a warrant and knocked on the door.

Winchester Crown Court heard she was leaning out of the window and took time opening the door. But a police officer went to the rear of the property and found the drugs in the tin being held by her daughter.

She admitted selling the cannabis in either £10 or £20 deals and said the money had gone on living expenses.

Sullivan, of Radcliffe Road, Northam, admitted possession with intent to supply.

Giving her a 12 month community order with six months’ supervision and an order to do 120 hours’ unpaid work, Judge Peter Ralls QC told her: “It was foolish to get involved in drugs and it could have led you to going to prison.”

She also had to forfeit £490 found in her home