Vanessa Mae Williams jailed for 11 months after cannabis seizure breaches suspended prison term

An Albany woman who was given a second chance to prove she had given up her drug habit has been sent to jail after police found cannabis in her home. Vanessa Mae Williams faced Albany Magistrates Court last Thursday pleading guilty to one count of possessing a prohibited drug. After much hesitation, Williams appeared at the bar table and pleaded guilty to the charge. Police prosecutor Sergeant Dave Loverock told the court about 2pm on November 30, police executed a search warrant at her Spencer Park home. Officer found one gram of cannabis inside a cupboard, Sgt Loverock said. Williams, who was present during the search, admitted it was for her personal use. In August last year, Williams received an 11-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, after she was convicted of possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply, possessing methamphetamine, failing to obey a data access order and three counts of possessing drug paraphernalia. At the time, Albany magistrate Dianne Scaddan told the mother of three if she reoffended in any way she would be brought back to court. In court on Thursday, a Department of Community Corrections officer told the court Williams had failed one urinalysis test and had also rescheduled an appointment. Legal Aid duty lawyer Graeme Payne told the court Williams said she had not used cannabis for six years. Sgt Loverock said Williams was continuing in a similar pattern of behaviour and failing to abide by conditions. “It’s a small amount but she is in breach, it’s appropriate for the jail term to descend,” he said. Ms Scaddan said Williams’ claim of not using cannabis “may be true” but she still allowed the drug in the house while on a suspended sentence. “Instead of getting rid of it you just put it in the cupboard,” Ms Scaddan said. “You’ve had ample opportunity to demonstrate no reoffending to the court. “It’s not unjust to trigger the suspended prison order.” Williams was escorted out of the courtroom by security officers after being ordered to serve 11 months behind bars. She was also fined $500.