KEY POINTS:
A Waihi mother of eight who has admitted supplying methamphetamine and selling cannabis from home to help with the upkeep of her children will go to the High Court for sentencing.
Leanne Mihitai Rolleston, 40, faces a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail for the more serious charge and eight years for the cannabis count.
She pleaded guilty in Tauranga District Court last month to drug dealing over a two-year period and was remanded in custody for sentencing today.
But when she reappeared, Judge Thomas Ingram was told there had been an oversight and the seriousness of the offending meant she should be sent to the High Court at Rotorua, where she will learn her fate on February 27.
After the short appearance, Rolleston blew a kiss and her daughter waved back, saying loudly:"I love you, Mum."
According to the summary of facts, the accused told police she never sold to minors or first time drug users and would ask for ID as proof of age if necessary.
She confessed to selling methamphetamine from the family home in 0.1 gram "point" bags, sometimes three or four a week at $150 a bag.
Rolleston also admitted selling several cannabis tinnies a week for the past two years at $25 each. Sometimes she supplied her 19 and 20-year-old sons for their personal use.
All her clients were known to her, she said, and all the drug sales proceeds went toward the expenses of her large family.
On a number of prior drugs charges, Rolleston has been remanded in custody for a call-over on January 29 when her attendance will be excused.
They include supplying methamphetamine, cultivating and supplying cannabis, plus possessing cannabis and instruments for its use.
- NZPA
