A woman has been jailed after police found her large stash of tear gas and drugs.

When officers arrived at Alexandra Thomas' house in Shelley Close, Ongar with a warrant on January 6, the 39 year-old handed over a small amount of cannabis.

A search of house revealed that was not all she had to hide.

Police Constable Kathryn Selby said: “Thomas initially handed over a small amount of cannabis to officers, however a further search of the premises revealed a large amount of cannabis and the CS canisters.

“Thomas would not explain why she had the canisters, but both were forensically tested and found to contain a substance which could be harmful if used on someone – specifically CS gas which causes a burning sensation to the skin, eyes and irritation to the throat or nose."

CS Gas, more commonly known as tear gas, is illegal to carry in the UK and is treated as a firearm.

Thomas was arrested and later charged with possession of a class B drug and two counts of possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid, gas.

She appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on September 18, where she admitted all counts.

For the drugs charge, Thomas was sentenced to four weeks, suspended for 12 months and she will have to complete a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

The cannabis was destroyed.

In relation to the two other counts, she was also sentenced to 12 weeks, suspended for 12 months.

She will have to pay court costs of £85 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £115.

Both canisters and the cannabis were destroyed.

PC Selby said: "This was a great bit of teamwork which has resulted in a successful prosecution and the destruction of drugs and harmful material which could have brought harm to someone.”