Thea Tanya Marie Lawton in Rockhampton court for possessing cocaine

A Queensland mum who has a diploma in beauty therapy and worked as a machine operator at the mines was busted in a dark alleyway with cocaine in her handbag.

Thea Tanya Marie Lawton pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court to possessing cocaine.

A Central Queensland mum who has a diploma in beauty therapy and worked as a machine operator at the mines was busted in a dark alleyway with cocaine in her handbag.

Thea Tanya Marie Lawton, 31, was in a dark alleyway with another person about 2.25am on April 28 when they were spotted by police who were patrolling the Safe Night Precinct, Rockhampton Magistrates Court heard on July 9.

Police prosecutor Claudia Neill-Ballantine said when police saw Lawton she had her handbag open and the other person was holding out their wallet.

Ms Neill-Ballantine said when Lawton became aware of the police presence she closed her handbag and became fidgety, continually digging around in her bag.

She said while speaking with police that Lawton was agitated and evasive with her answers.

Ms Neill-Ballantine said police formed reasonable suspicion Lawton had dangerous drugs and detained her for a search.

She said police found 0.27g of cocaine in a clip seal bag in Lawton’s handbag.

Defence lawyer Pierre Lammersdorf said his client had completed Year 11 and had a diploma in beauty therapy, certificates in community service and disability and child safety, and had worked at the mines as a machine operator for the last three years.

“It is very disappointing to see someone of my client’s abilities before the court for this type of matter,” he said.

Mr Lammersdorf said his client had instructed it was a lapse of judgement and that she would be willing to do the drug diversion program.

Lawton pleaded guilty to the single count of possessing dangerous drugs.

She was ordered to a six-month good behaviour bond with $500 recognisance and to complete a drug diversion session.

No criminal conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Thea Tanya Marie Lawton in Rockhampton court for possessing cocaine