A mother caught dealing drugs in a police undercover operation has been jailed for four years and three months.

Melanie Craddock could have faced seven-year term because of previous drug offending, but a judge said it would be unjust to pass such a sentence in view of efforts she had made to beat her addiction.

Her partner Ian Caplin was sentenced to three years and 10 months for his part in dealing class A drugs.

Craddock, 40, and 47-year-old Caplin, both of Queensway, Sheerness, admitted supplying heroin.

Maidstone Crown Court heard an undercover officer calling herself Connie was introduced to Craddock by another dealer.

The mother-of-three supplied a 140mg wrap of heroin in September last year. She met the officer again at Queensway, Sheerness, and supplied two wraps for £10.

Jane Scotchmer, prosecuting, said Craddock made three further supplies. Caplin made two. The officer told Craddock: “You do nice bags.” She replied: “We always do nice bags.”

When arrested, Craddock said she dealt drugs to pay off a debt. She said she had been threatened and reported it to her drug counsellor.

Caplin said money was owed to travellers and as well as threats being made, petrol was poured through his letterbox.

Mrs Scotchmer said Craddock was jailed for six months in 2002 for possessing heroin.

She also had convictions for possessing heroin with intent to supply in 2006 and being concerned in supply of heroin with Caplin in July 2008.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens told the couple: “Both of you appreciate the misery class A drugs bring to people. They wreck lives, not only that of users but those around them.

“Those who deal in class A drugs should expect immediate terms of imprisonment.”

The judge said Craddock should be sentenced to seven years imprisonment but added: “Looking at your particular circumstances, it would be unjust to pass that sentence. I have seen certificates showing the progress you have made.

“You have assisted others. In my judgement, one who makes those efforts demands it would be unjust to pass a sentence of seven years.”

Caplin, he said, was also determined to rid himself of drugs and reduce his offending.

'She is working hard to conquer difficulties’

Alistair Keith, defending, said when Craddock was released from prison in 2008 she returned to the area where she and Caplin were known and there was a problem with a drug debt they had incurred.

He said: “They accepted they dealt with it in the most inappropriate way.

“They both sing from the same hymn sheet in relation to this problem.”

Mr Keith said Craddock had tried hard to become drug free and on her release went to work with a drug rehabilitation unit.

He said: “She is working hard and conquering her difficulties. She is offering assistance to others with this terrible addiction.”

Mr Keith submitted that Craddock and Caplin should not be crushed by “an overbearing sentence”.