A Drumheller woman who pleaded guilty to trafficking drugs into the Drumheller Institution was sentenced to two years in jail.
Sarah Blanke appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, September 25. She had previously pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamines and trafficking cannabis for the purpose of unlawful distribution.
On March 10, 2019, the Drumheller RCMP attended the Drumheller Institution to investigate after a female staff member had been detained for bringing drugs into the Drumheller Institution.
In May of last year, she entered guilty pleas and was scheduled for sentencing, however it was postponed due to COVID-19.
The Federal Crown and the defence for Blanke agreed on a joint submission of two years in custody.
Aggravating circumstances in the sentence were that the offence took place at a federal institution and it was trafficking. The Crown noted that had this gone to trial Ms. Blanke may have had a defence of duress.
Mitigating factors were that Blanke has no previous record, entered her guilty plea early, shows remorse, has a favourable pre-sentence report, and has undertaken counselling.
Blanke addressed the court apologising to the judge and judicial system for the time and financial strain of her case and apologised to her family.
Judge Gashler agreed with the joint submission and sentenced Blanke to two years in custody for count one, and one year in custody for count two, to be served concurrently.
