03-07-2025
Newport woman sold drugs to her friends and family
Former forklift driver and crane operator Thea Kassim, 30, from Newport was arrested after police raided her home
Emma Harris, prosecuting, told the city's crown court how officers found an iPhone with messages offering cannabis for sale.
They also seized two bags of the class B drug weighing 6.95g and £380.29 in cash.
Miss Harris said: 'The messages downloaded from the phone advertising cannabis for sale are typical of street deals.'
'The defendant played a significant role with an expectation of financial gain.
'There is no naivety or exploitation in this case.'
Kassim, of Clyffard Crescent, Newport admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of cannabis.
She pleaded guilty on the basis that she only sold the class B drug to friends and family.
This was accepted by the prosecution.
The offences occurred between December 30, 2023 and April 30, 2024.
She has four previous convictions for five offences which include shoplifting when she was a juvenile.
Kassim's most recent brush with the law came this year when she was fined for possession of cannabis on March 17.
Her barrister David Pinnell told the court that his client was the sole carer of her disabled 12-year-old son.
'This was a one-woman band,' he said in mitigation. 'It was all related to her.
'She was candid in her pre-sentence report interview with the probation officer.
'The defendant previously managed to overcome more serious drug use and she is currently working with the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS) over cannabis.'
The judge, Recorder Andrew Hammond, told Kassim that although she had only sold to friends and family she must have at least made 'a small profit'.
He added: "It is also aggravated by the fact that you were supplying from home where there was a child.
'However, by working with GDAS you are trying to turn your life around.'
Kassim was sentenced to an 18-month community order.
The defendant must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
She was ordered to pay £554 by paying £400 towards prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis and the forfeiture of the cash.
Before she left the dock, Recorder Hammond said to her: 'Look on this as your last chance.'
