63-year-old Newport woman let house be used to deal heroin

Maria Hoegnesen, of Potter Street, Newport, pleaded guilty on March 16 this year to permitting her premises to be used for supply of class A drugs.

Prosecutor Eugene Egan told the court how police went to Potter Street on October 9 last year where they found more than 6g of heroin with a street value of £750 hidden under the microwave in the kitchen.

Hoegnesen was sentenced to five months imprisonment, suspended for two years, on Friday, and was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work. She also was ordered to pay an £80 surcharge and £1,200 in court costs.

Damien Jones, of Letterstone Road, Rhymney, was also charged with two counts of possessing heroin and possessing heroin with intent to supply. He pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

The court heard how 75 cigarette paper packages were also found under the microwave each containing small amounts of diamorphine.

Judge William Gaskell told Hoegnesen: “What has been said on your behalf is that you were responsible for a reluctant acquiescence in the use of your home for the supply of heroin.

“You are of previously good behaviour and you have no previous convictions.

“Heroin was clearly bought into your home and you knew about it. This business cannot carry on if there no premises and people were coming in to buy.

“It can’t be said that allowing of the house, albeit reluctantly, has no serious consequences. You are a mature woman and you know particularly well what heroin causes and its devastating effects.”

In mitigation for defendant Jones, it was said he suffered from poor mental health and was taking medication. The court heard how Jones said his role was to open the door and let people in to buy the drugs.

Judge Gaskell said to Jones: “You understand the dependency heroin caused for you. If you are assisting others to buy it you are assisting in the dependency for them. You know it’s a heavily addictive drug.”