A WOMAN found with £5 of crack cocaine in her handbag has appeared in court.

Marie Baker admitted possessing the class A drug and failing to turn up at a previous court hearing.

Baker, aged 32, of Marsh Close, Malvern, was ordered to spend the day in the court building as punishment.

Worcester Magistrates Court heard the drug was found after Baker was arrested on May 14 on an unrelated matter. She told officers the drugs belonged to a friend who had borrowed her handbag but later admitted she had paid £10 for the drug.

Andy Childs, defending, said Baker was a vulnerable woman who had been working hard to combat her drug issues but had recently been assaulted. He also said she was confused about her previous court date.

Magistrates ordered her to stay at court until 3pm and then visit the probation service.

She was also fined £30 and told to pay £15 costs.