A struggling businesswoman, who tried to smuggle £18,500 worth of cannabis through Gatwick Airport after stepping off a plane from Jamaica, somehow dodged jail with a suspended sentence.
First-time offender and single-mum Shantelle Springer, 34, of Lilford Road, Camberwell, South London was caught with 6.43 kilos of the drug in her luggage hidden inside dinner trays.
She pleaded guilty to importing the class 'B' drugs at the airport (pictured) on February 7 and at Croydon Crown Court received twelve months' imprisonment, suspended for a year.
The court heard Customs men searched Springer's luggage after she arrived on a flight from Montego Bay and discovered the three sealed trays packed with herbal cannabis.
Her lawyer Iain Starke told the court Springer's Internet cafe was struggling with debts of £5,000 and faced liquidation after county court judgments against her.
"She met a man who said he could help with debts if she brought back weed from Jamaica," explained Mr. Starke.
"She refused, but he was insistent and preyed upon her situation and she relented and agreed to do what he was asking."
Recorder Ian Bourne QC told Springer: "You have been given what many would consider an exceptional chance so make the most of it.
"You were, I accept, under financial hardship and were approached and preyed upon by a person who knew your predicament
"Importation of drugs are very serious offences."
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