A MOTHER-of-three who was caught dealing Class A drugs in Abingdon ‘hotspots’ has avoided jail.

Fermanagh Monaghan was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (July 25) for three counts. Two of these were possession of a Class A drug, cocaine and heroin, with intent to supply and one of possession of a Class B drug, cannabis, with intent to supply.

The 27-year-old was caught on April 23 in Reynolds Way, Abingdon – a ‘drug hotspot’ according to police – selling Class A drugs from her car.

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It was heard that she had got herself into ‘financial difficulties’ after coming off medication for her mental health and giving all her money away in a ‘euphoria high’.

Judge Ian Pringle sentenced her to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, telling the court he did not deem her a danger to the public and that she could be rehabilitated within the community.

Opening the case, prosecutor Kathy Oliver said Monaghan was operating a drug line called ‘Karen’ and was spotted by officers topping up the device at a Co-Op store.

Her Vauxhall vehicle was later spotted in Reynolds Way and a woman was seen entering the car and leaving shortly after.

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She was later stopped by officers who found five wraps of Class A drugs in her possession.

Monaghan was then followed to her home address and arrested. She was found in possession of 33 wraps of crack cocaine and five wraps of heroin - £380 in total.

The defendant also had £2,775 in cash.

Defending Monaghan, barrister Peter De Feu said his client has struggled ‘all her life with autism’ and was ‘labelled as naughty and difficult’ in school.

He said she stopped taking medication for her mental health, stating she ‘felt better’ and ‘in a sort of euphoria’ started spending all her money on guitars, charity and giving it away to friends.

As a result, she became involved in selling drugs via connections through her partner – who has previously been jailed for drug offences.

Mr De Feu told the court ‘she hated it’.

It was heard that Monaghan has no previous offences and several character references had been sent to the judge on her behalf.

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Monaghan was ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and was made subject to a curfew for three months between 9pm and 6am at her home address in Fuller Way, Steventon.

Judge Pringle added: “Remember those who stood by you, remember that for the rest of your life.”

A forfeiture order was made for the drugs, phone, and money seized.