A Pembroke woman said: "I swallowed it, I have my kids to think about," after being arrested for possession of heroin, a court heard yesterday (Tuesday).

Bethany Hill, of 19 Haven Court in Monkton, pleaded guilty to possessing 0.77 grams of diamorphine at Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan said officers stopped Hill's car at around 11pm on August 21st, due to the manner of her driving.

"They spoke to her and her demeanour was suspicious," said Ms Morgan.

"She was handcuffed and during a strip search, admitted she had heroin in the rear of her car that she had paid £200 for."

Hill, 33, was subsequently arrested but when she arrived at the police station, officers noticed that one of her hands was free from the handcuffs.

Ms Morgan said the defendant then told police: "I swallowed it, I have my kids to think about."

During police interview, Hill admitted to buying the drug for her own personal use, and said she had swallowed some at the station because she was craving heroine. Ms Morgan said police valued the heroin that was recovered at £154.

Defence lawyer Simon Mumford stressed it was the first time Hill had appeared in court for a drug offence.

"She has made full admissions and realises she has a problem with heroin," said Mr Mumford.

"This has been a wake up call for her. She is a young lady who craves help."

He added that since her arrest, she had voluntarily sought help for her addiction.

Magistrates told Hill they were concerned about the effect her heroine use was having on her family. She was sentenced to a 12 month community order and made to pay £85 prosecution costs.