Cocaine trafficker jailed for six years

A MIDDLESBROUGH beautician has been jailed for six years for trafficking two suitcases filled with drugs through a United States airport.

- By TIM HANLON and POPPY KENNEDY

Kim Hall was stopped at Chicago’s O'Hare airport in August last year after her suitcases were found packed with 43kg of cocaine.

She was later charged with possession with intent to supply and faced a lengthy sentence of 60 years behind bars.

But the 29-year-old, who was sentenced on Monday, has been jailed for a fraction of the maximum term due to a plea deal. Hall agreed to plead guilty at a Chicago court in order to get a reduced sentence between four and six years, reports The Mirror.

After striking a plea bargain deal with prosecutors, a judge in Chicago sentenced her to six years in prison.

There is a possibility, it is understood, that the beautician will be home in two years after taking into account time already served plus early release for good behaviour.