Mum who lost baby began selling drugs to cope
A GRIEVING mother who is suing a hospital for negligence following the death of her baby has escaped jail after she admitted drug dealing to cope with her loss.
Lauren Smith-Tennant, 24, was arrested after police raided her flat in Eccles, Salford, and found 11 snap bags which had traces of cocaine.
Officers also found four snap bags in her car, scales to weigh the drugs plus text messages on her phone relating to drug deals.
Smith-Tennant said she been selling cannabis to fund her own habit which she had developed following the loss of her five-monthold daughter Kiara in 2014.
She is currently pursing a legal claim against an unnamed hospital amid allegations the baby was starved of oxygen at birth. She admitted at Manchester magistrates court to possessing cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.
She was given 26-week jail suspended for one year. Her lawyer, Zoe Earl, said: “In 2014, she had a daughter who was severely disabled and she only lived for five months.
“She is currently going through the process of pursuing medical negligence and the ongoing issues are distressing for her. Just before her daughter’s anniversary she started to smoke cannabis.
“She had it before and she relapsed, she was struggling to sleep and struggling to manage emotionally.
“She deeply regrets what she did and demonstrates what I consider to be genuine remorse.
Smith-Tennant was also ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work and pay £200 costs.