Pic: Met Police

A Croydon couple have been sentenced for using a pub as a front to sell drugs.

Pub manager Toni Sheard, 29 and John Robinson, 49, both pleaded guilty to using the Tamworth Arms, in Tamworth Road as a base to supply class B drugs, Croydon Crown Court heard.

In May 2015, police raided the pub and found a block of cannabis resin and bags containing white powder in the cellar.

More drugs and paraphernalia, as well as large quantities of cash were found at Robinson’s home on Church Street.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs and were charged in January this year.

Detective Constable Tom Sole, from Croydon Crime Squad, said: “Throughout the investigation, Sheard denied all knowledge of the drugs we discovered in her cellar.

“It is clear that the overwhelming evidence we gathered against the pair was enough for them to realise that they had no option but to plead guilty.

“We will do everything we can to take drugs off Croydon’s streets and I would encourage anyone with information regarding the sale of drugs to contact us.”

Sheard was sentenced for 16 months in prison, to be suspended for two years. She was also ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work and was given a six month drugs rehabilitation order.

Robinson was given a two-year imprisonment sentence for supplying class B drugs.

The pub remains closed until Croydon Council reviews its license.