A mum-of-two has gained a fresh chance after being dragged down by the drug mamba.
City magistrates heard Lisa Cooksey went from having her own bungalow to sleeping in doorways after becoming hooked on the drug.
Her solicitor Chris Lacey told the court: "She found herself in a very precarious situation and described herself as a nervous wreck.
"She started to try drugs which clearly had the effect of simply relaxing her and for a period of time took away her worries."
But since then she has found sheltered accommodation on Ortzen Street, Radford, where she shares a room with eight people.
Mr Lacey added: "It is very different from having her bungalow but it is a step in the right direction. There are staff 24 hours a day.
"If she can again have a normal lifestyle, she will not be back troubling the court."
Cooksey, 44, pleaded guilty to having the drug mamba five times between January 28 and March 11. She was given a six-month conditional discharge but must pay £45 prosecution costs and a £20 government surcharge.
Presiding magistrate Gavin Shelley, who sat with two colleagues, told her: "Hopefully you have turned your life around."
She replied: "Thank you very much."
Daniel Pietryka, prosecuting, said she was caught with the drug three times on Wheeler Gate and twice on Friar Lane. They were usually small amounts which would have cost around £5 each.
"This was part of a street operation which is ongoing," added Mr Pietryka.
Magistrates ordered the destruction of the mamba. It is described as a "zombie drug" because some users stagger around or stand like statues.
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