A mother baked and sold cannabis-infused “space cakes” through her Instagram account while performing homeschooling duties for her children.
Charlotte Owens, aged 37, utilized her laptop to market the illegal baked goods while juggling her responsibilities of homeschooling one child and caring for another child with cystic fibrosis. Her Instagram profile, named “Spaceicles 420,” promoted baked goods containing THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis.
Law enforcement authorities raided Owens’ residence in Aintree, Liverpool, in June 2024 during an investigation into a county lines drug trafficking operation. During the search, officers discovered cannabis, confectionery-making equipment, “Spaceicles” branded stickers, and £1,020 in cash.
During Owens’ defense, solicitor Charlotte Bagley stated: “She pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. She acknowledges her role in managing the Instagram account, as indicated in the pre-sentence report.”
“She expresses remorse and accepts her wrongdoing. A custodial sentence would significantly impact her physical and mental health, as she suffers from chronic kidney disease and closely monitors her health.”
“A prison sentence would also affect her two children, one of whom has cystic fibrosis and the other being homeschooled, a task Owens assists with as their primary caregiver.”
Owens, who is dependent on state benefits, was ordered to complete ten rehabilitation activity days, 100 hours of unpaid work, and pay £272 in costs and surcharge.
District Judge James Hatton remarked: “Your involvement in the enterprise was driven by financial gain, which you acknowledge. While your actions warrant a custodial sentence, there is potential for rehabilitation, considering the impact on your children, particularly the one with special needs.”
“Therefore, the sentence can be suspended.”
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