A WOMAN has admitted drugs offences arising from a police raid on a sweet shop and the removal of its entire confectionary stock.

Melanie Jane Hewson admits producing cannabis, recovered from her home in Stanley during the same operation targeting the nearby Convenience Store, in Park Road, South Moor, on November 23, 2018.

She also admits possessing 18-grams of amphetamines, recovered from her handbag seized at the sweet shop, but she denies having it with intent to supply to others.

The case was mentioned at a hearing of Durham Crown Court, sitting at Newcastle, during which the prosecution offered “no evidence” against her co-accused, 58-year-old Kevin Anthony Hall.

Judge James Adkin, therefore, recorded formal ‘not guilty’ verdicts against Mr Hall, of Elm Street, South Moor. He previously denied both charges.

The remaining unresolved count against Hewson, over her alleged intention to supply the amphetamines, was adjourned for a trial once the current suspension of sittings in Durham is lifted.

Hewson, 51, also of Elm Street, was bailed to return for the trial, in the week beginning September 21.