A MORECAMBE mother co-erced into drug dealing by Liverpool dealers has won her freedom from a three-year sentence in London's Appeal Court.

Elaine Kay, of Westminster Road, was jailed for three years at Preston Crown Court in May this year after admitting one offence of possessing heroin with intent to supply, and three further offences of supplying heroin.

The 57-year-old was arrested after police searched her home in December last year, discovering 40 bags of heroin in a pocket.

She admitted supplying heroin on three occasions between November and December last year, but claimed she was coerced by others into dealing the heroin'.

Lord Justice Rose - sitting at the Appeal Court with Mr Justice Butterfield - said such offences would normally attract at least a five-year term.

But the case had a number of unusual aspects, including the pressure exerted on Kay, her own chronic heart-condition, and the fact that she is the primary carer for her disabled daughter.

Given such exceptional circumstances' a cut in sentence was merited, said the judge.

The Appeal Court substituted a two-year term, which was suspended for two years.