A Worcester woman who was used by her boyfriend as "a messenger" to supply heroin has been given an opportunity to change her life by a judge.

Katie Hirschfield was seen by police handing over drugs to a caller at a house last year.

When the man was approached, he threw away a heroin wrap, Worcester Crown Court heard.

Hirschfield, aged 22, of Coventry Avenue, St John's, admitted possession and supply of heroin.

She had previously breached a drug testing and treatment order by committing shoplifting offences and taking drugs, it was accepted by her counsel Richard Bond.

But he said the probation service was still willing to take a chance on her. She had served three months in jail for the breach.

Judge Frank Chapman told the defendant it was her last chance to avoid a significant prison term. The normal sentence for heroin supply began at four years' custody.

He labelled her "a messenger" on the periphery of commercial supply, for which her former boyfriend had been given "a merciful" sentence of three years' jail.

The judge added there was still hope that Hirschfield could lead a decent, honest life. Going back to drugs risked ruin and an early death.

She was given a 12-month drug testing and treatment order. She must appear in court again in November to see if she is still clear of drugs.

Hirschfield and her boyfriend were first observed by police in Fort Royal park on March 20 last year and followed them to their then home in Bath Road, Worcester, where the drug transaction took place, said Nick Tatlow, prosecuting.

Under a carpet in a hallway was discovered another heroin wrap and £175 drug profits, which were seized.

Mr Bond said she was now clean of heroin, looked healthy and had learned her lesson. She no longer associated with past friends who were drug takers.