Shania Michelle Pedlow fronts court for drugs, illegal prostitution

A Sunshine Coast woman wiped away tears as a court heard heartbreaking and disturbing details on what lead the 23-year-old mother to conduct illegal businesses.

Shania Michelle Pedlow in 2019. Photo: Facebook

A 23-year-old Sunshine Coast mother wiped away tears in a courtroom dock, as details on her heartbreaking past and what led to her running illegal businesses were shared in court.

Shania Michelle Pedlow dabbed at her eyes and nose throughout her appearance in Maroochydore District Court on October 6, as the court heard details about her upbringing and how her partner led police to uncover she was a prostitute and drug dealer.

Crown prosecutor Nicola Hamilton told the court police unearthed Pedlow’s illegal services both as a drug dealer and a prostitute after they were searching for her partner, who was wanted on an arrest warrant.

Police arrived at the Kawana Waters property on March 31, 2021, and found Pedlow and her partner in a shared bedroom, where a number of drugs and drug related items were found “in plain sight”, Ms Hamilton said.

A small amount of meth was found in Pedlow’s bra during a search, and police seized her mobile phone.

Shania Michelle Pedlow (pictured here in 2019) pleaded guilty to possessing a restricted item (a telescopic baton), possessing a knife in a public place, supplying a dangerous drug, possessing a dangerous drug, possessing a thing used in a supply dangerous drug offence and prostitution. Photo: Facebook

Police found text messages proving Pedlow had been dealing cannabis and meth, which included a sale of $2,300 for 7g of meth, Ms Hamilton said.

Pedlow was then exposed as an illegal prostitute after police discovered she had been advertising herself for oral sex without a condom.

She was arrested on July 4, 2021, and granted bail the next day.

Defence barrister James Feely told the court his client was remorseful for her actions, and gave insight into her upbringing and how it led her to develop a drug addiction.

Mr Feely said Pedlow was exposed to domestic violence growing up, and still had physical scars from abusive relationships as a teenager.

Shania Michelle Pedlow wiped away tears in Maroochydore District Court on October 6. Picture: Patrick Woods.

He said this led his client to develop mental health issues, and she was later diagnosed with Persistent Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Stimulant Use Disorder and ADHD.

She was now a mother to an eight-year-old girl, and had dreams of working in the construction industry.

Mr Feely said his client was selling drugs to help fund her and her partner’s habits.

She pleaded guilty to possessing a restricted item (a telescopic baton), possessing a knife in a public place, supplying a dangerous drug, possessing a dangerous drug, possessing a thing used in a supply dangerous drug offence and prostitution.

Her matter was adjourned for sentence until November 28, 2022.