A young woman left her science degree behind to come to the UK and find work so she could support her parents after her father fell ill with cancer. Instead, she ended up dealing cocaine in Cornwall.
Roxanna Lesean was pulled over by police after her battered white BMW was spotted on the A392 near Hendra Holiday Park at Newquay on July 6. The 21-year-old Romanian national, who has lived her whole life in France, was searched. Officers found four street-deal wraps of cocaine in a zipped scrunchy on her wrist, along with cash in her wallet, a bag of coins, and an iPhone used to arrange drop-offs.
Lesean, of Grosvenor Avenue in Newquay, was arrested and charged with one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of a Class A – cocaine. She pleaded guilty.
At a sentencing hearing at Truro Crown Court on Friday (September 18), the court heard that Lesean, who has already spent the equivalent of 72 days in custody, came to the UK on a short-term visa to look for work.
Her barrister, Houzla Rawat, said Lesean had been of good character in both the UK and France, and had been studying science at a university in Paris, where her parents live. Ms Rawat explained that her parents emigrated to France from Romania and had always worked hard to give their children a better life.
She said: "Her father became ill with cancer and had to stop work to receive treatment. While his treatment is paid for by the French state he is not entitled to much else in terms of benefits.
"As a result she left her university degree to find work to contribute to the family income. She came to the UK believing she would be able to obtain work in Newquay for the summer.
"She met a man and a relationship was formed. It was through that relationship that she became employed in the supply of Class A drugs."
Ms Rawat added: "She is an intelligent young woman and is deeply ashamed about what she has done. She is very close to her parents and wanted to suspend her university studies to support them.
"Since being in custody she has not contacted her parents and not spoken to her family except for her brother who is trying to protect their parents by saying she is on holiday as she doesn't want to let them know what happened as she fears it would add to her parents' problems and her dad's ill health.
"She will not become involved in any criminal activity when she is released. This was done through naivety. She has paid a heavy price. She is desperate to return home to France."
His Honour Recorder Christopher Quinlan, KC, said Lesean's time in custody had been isolating because she does not speak much English and has had no contact with her family. He agreed her time inside would be hard for that reason.
He sentenced her to two years in prison. She will serve half of that and will be deported back to France.
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Former Student Sold Cocaine in Cornwall to Help Father With Cancer