**Mother Given ‘Last Chance’ After Supplying Cannabis from Home Shared with Son**
A mother from Newport narrowly avoided prison after supplying cannabis from her home, where she resided with her 12-year-old son. Thea Kassim, aged 30, admitted before Newport Crown Court to dealing in cannabis, a class B drug, primarily to support her own consumption.
The case came to light after police executed a search warrant at Kassim’s property on Clyffard Crescent. During the search, officers uncovered two bags containing almost 7 grams of cannabis, an iPhone believed to be used for drug transactions, and over £300 in cash. Kassim accepted the drugs were hers, and digital evidence on her phone provided further incriminating detail.
Within the phone, police investigators discovered messages that showed Kassim advertised cannabis for sale. Some messages included drug-related slang such as “HQ,” referencing half a quarter of an ounce, and made note of specific strains such as “Cali pot.” In one message, Kassim told a contact: “I got to pick ounce up for my dad. If you want can pick up for you,” indicating a degree of regularity and organisational planning to her operation.
In court, Emma Harris, prosecuting, stated that this was not a case of naivety or exploitation, describing Kassim’s actions as a deliberate and resilient operation with clear personal financial motivations. While not considered a major supplier, the evidence suggested Kassim went beyond mere personal use, consistently arranging sales to others.
Representing the defendant, David Pinnell acknowledged Kassim’s conduct but maintained that the operation was independently run and driven by her dependency on cannabis. Pinnell highlighted the pressures Kassim faced, including her responsibilities in caring for both her son—who has certain disabilities—and her unwell mother, all while navigating the difficulties posed by her son entering high school. Kassim, with a history of employment in various manual roles such as crane driving and steel work, had, according to her solicitor, struggled significantly over the past year.
Kassim pleaded guilty to two counts: possessing cannabis with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, relating to incidents between late December 2023 and April 2024. The judge, Recorder Andrew Hammond, sentenced her to an 18-month community order, which will run concurrently for both offences.
In his remarks, Recorder Hammond stressed that cannabis use and trade are by no means victimless, challenging the common narrative that underplays the social harms of the drug. He said, “It is at best short-sighted and ultimately self-centred to involve yourself in the trade of cannabis.” According to the judge, involvement in the drugs trade contributes to increased violent crime—a reality regularly witnessed in courts across the UK.
Addressing Kassim directly, Judge Hammond stated, “You are largely involved to maintain your habit but did make some profit, falling short of significant gain.” He highlighted as an aggravating factor the fact that drugs were being sold from a home environment where a child was present.
Nonetheless, the court recognised Kassim is making efforts to change her situation. She has engaged with support services to reduce her drug use and remains the sole carer for her child and ill mother. The sentence was positioned as a “last chance,” with the court urging Kassim to view it as an opportunity to further turn her life around.
As part of her sentence, Kassim must complete 120 hours of unpaid work, attend 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay both £400 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. The sentence demonstrates the judiciary’s balancing act between punishment, safeguarding vulnerable family members, and encouraging rehabilitation.
This case illustrates the ongoing concerns faced by communities and courts around drug misuse, especially when it intrudes on family life and child welfare. It also exemplifies the role of the courts in addressing individuals’ circumstances whilst upholding the law and protecting wider society from the harms of drug-related activity.