A WOMAN with an alcohol dependency has been spared jail for failing on a suspended sentence after a judge heard she had got a job in a pub.

Sally Beattie was told she had been spared being sent to jail 'by a whisker' when she appeared in court last February for drug dealing.

But in the ten months since Beattie, 44, has done just two of the 60 hours of unpaid work and repeatedly missed appointments with the probation service.

Now, after expressing concern about her working in a pub, Judge Tim Mousley QC has allowed the order to continue saying she was lucky to be given the chance.

Tom Wilkins, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court that she had missed numerous meetings with probation and not done the community service.

"They say they have accorded her considerable leniency because of her mental and physical health difficulties, but it is still a very poor level of compliance," he said.

"When she was originally spoken to by probation it was clear she had an alcohol dependency. She was a heavy drinker and was a regular used of cannabis."

Beattie, of Marlowe Avenue, Park North, admitted breaching the order by failing to attend appointments.

Mike Pulsford, defending, said he had a reference from her part time job working behind the bar at the Tap and Barrel.

After hearing that the judge asked 'Is that sensible bearing in mind her problem?'

But Mr Pulsford said she insisted she did not drink when she was at work and had become depressed without a job.

He said the single mum had got off employment support allowance and was now getting working tax credits.

Allowing the order to continue the judge said: "When Recorder Vere-Hodge QC made this order back in February he gave you a chance, and you haven't really taken that and I consider you to be extremely fortunate to be offered another chance by the probation service to complete this order."

He extended it by three months and added a further 20 hours of unpaid work to it which he said must be completed by February.

Beattie got an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting possessing cannabis and amphetamines with intent to supply and possessing cocaine and criminal property.

When police raided her home in November 2014 they found thousands of pounds worth of drugs as well as cash and other paraphernalia.

In the house was 190 grams of herbal cannabis, 80 grams of resin and 20 grams of amphetamines as well as a small amount of cocaine.

In addition to the drugs they found two sets of scales, grip seal bags, cash totalling £2,665 and a phone showing dealing in drugs.

When she was questioned she said she had turned to selling the substances when her benefits were stopped.