A VALE mum who was found in possession of drugs at her then home address in Bonhill has been given a “final chance” to stay out of prison.

Francesca Baxter was found with three bottles containing methadone – none with her own name on the label – and a small quantity of herbal cannabis after police searched the property in Pappert under warrant on November 12 last year.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court was told that police had forced entry to the property occupied by 31-year-old Baxter, and found 0.64 grams of herbal cannabis from the living room, followed by three brown medicine bottles containing 34ml, 61ml and 100ml of a liquid which was subsequently identified as the heroin substitute.

The substances together had a combined value of less than £25.

Baxter’s solicitor told the court his client, a single mother with three school-age children, had no court cases outstanding, and that her recent involvement with the criminal justice system was limited to drug possession.

“She requires some focus in her life,” the agent said. “She has recently passed her driving test with a view to using it to get employment.

“But she is reaching the stage where a custodial sentence may be uppermost in your Lordship’s mind.”

Sheriff Simon Pender agreed, telling the solicitor: “She has had a fine on two occasions, and two community payback orders, and doesn’t seem to be stopping.”

Turning to address Baxter directly, the sheriff said: “You are coming very close to going into custody, but you’re going to get one final chance.”

Baxter, now of Miller Road in Haldane, was given two concurrent community payback orders, each with the requirement to carry out 270 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

“The order is made as a direct alternative to a custodial sentence,” the sheriff added, “and if you don’t comply, that is precisely what you can expect.”