A WOMAN who "self-medicated" with cocaine and cannabis has been fined by a court.

Keira Andrea McCullough pleaded guilty to possession of the class A drug cocaine and the class B drug cannabis when she appeared at Furness Magistrates' Court today. 

Prosecutor Mrs Pam Ward said the drugs were discovered when police executed a search warrant on October 1 at a caravan on land off Chittery Lane, Ulverston.

The court heard that police found five small bags of cocaine weighing just over two grams and just over four grams of cannabis.

McCullough, 37, of York Square, Ulverston, told police that the drugs were for personal use.

Mrs Ward told the court that the defendant had weighing scales "so she was not ripped off."

Miss Karen Templeton, who defended McCullough, said the defendant had no previous convictions and is of previous good character.

Miss Templeton, said: "She has had anxiety problems and has been self-medicating by taking drugs."

The solicitor said since the arrest there had been other issues but that the defendant is seeing her GP each week and is receiving help for her anxiety. McCullough also is also receiving support from a social worker and Unity.

Miss Templeton said the defendant has stopped taking cocaine and has reduced the amount of cannabis she uses by a great deal.

McCullough was ordered to pay out £325 to the court in fines, court costs and a victim surcharge, with presiding magistrate, Mr Bob Fletcher, saying: "A sum not too far from what you paid for the drugs."

The magistrates noted the self help actions McCullough has taken already, urged her to continue these actions and also wished her luck. 

The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and paraphernalia.