Scots beauticians caught smuggling £6,500 worth of cocaine and Ecstasy into Creamfields festival

Two Scottish beauticians, Erin Hobdell, 21, and Kira McNicol, 23, were caught trying to smuggle £6,500 worth of cocaine and Ecstasy into the Creamfields festival. Hobdell was found with cocaine and Ecstasy hidden in her waistband, while McNicol had Ecstasy tablets secreted in her private parts. The women had travelled from Scotland to attend the festival in Cheshire with a group of friends, where they claimed they were pressured by the group to carry the drugs in.

Despite facing up to four years in jail, both women were spared prison sentences after the judge accepted that they were influenced by the others in their coach party. Hobdell received a 21-month suspended sentence, while McNicol was sentenced to 18 months in jail, also suspended for 18 months. In addition, they were ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

During the sentencing at Chester Crown Court, Judge Steven Everett highlighted the dangers of drug use and the potential consequences of their actions. The court heard that the women were pressured into carrying the drugs by members of their coach party and that they were not the actual suppliers but were used as mules.

Both women expressed remorse and admitted their involvement in the drug smuggling scheme. The prosecution acknowledged that they were persuaded by their friends to carry the drugs, and both women had no financial gain from the illegal activity.

In mitigation, the defence counsel for Hobdell emphasised her young age at the time of the offence and her remorse for her actions. McNicol’s defence counsel pointed out her efforts to identify the person who convinced her to carry the drugs and the lack of prosecution against him.

The judge took into consideration the circumstances of the case and the impact of the proceedings on the women. He recognised their naivety and the pressure they faced from their peers. Both women were commended for taking steps to turn their lives around since the incident.

In conclusion, the case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of drug smuggling and the importance of making informed decisions, especially in high-pressure situations. It also highlights the need for support and guidance for young individuals who may be vulnerable to peer pressure and influence.