A WOMAN who peddled hard drugs from her home was today (Tuesday, December 10) starting a prison sentence of almost four years.

Clare Sparrow, 30, was caught by police twice within the space of just two months with crack cocaine and heroin.

Sparrow was arrested along with her boyfriend Robert Cameron - who is still at large after failing to turn up at court.

Cameron, 30, will be sentenced separately after he is either re-arrested or hands himself in, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Sparrow admitted three charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and one of possessing Class A drugs.

The court heard that she was making around £200 a day selling to addicts, and was using £800 worth a week herself.

Duncan McReddie, mitigating, said: "There is no evidence of a lavish lifestyle; it was not yielding her anything more than that she consumed.

"Those addicted to Class A drugs develop a warped sensibility when it comes to what they should do to find their next fix."

Police found £500 worth of drugs during a raid on the couple's home in Stanley Street, Stockton, in February last year.

In April, after being questioned and bailed, they were busted again at a different house - in Burgess Street - with £650 of drugs.

Jailing Sparrow for three years and nine months, Judge Howard Crowson told her: "Perhaps you should have learned your lesson.

"If you didn't know it before you know it now, supply is a serious matter, and courts will treat it that way."

Cameron, with a more recent address of Hartington Road, Stockton, also admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply.