10 Drug Sentences That Shocked The World

By David O'Donoghue /

10. Patricia Spottedcrow

Patricia Spottedcrow is evidence of just how terrifying the force of the law can be when faced with even the most minor drug offence. In 2010 Spottedcrow was found guilty of selling $31 worth of marijuana to an undercover cop. As it turns out, the officer wasn€™t giving smiles and gratitude to Patricia for sorting him out, but instead slapped the cuffs on her. At Patricia€™s trial the mother of four was given a twelve year prison sentence for the pot sale, her first criminal offense, and separated from her children who were left in the care of their grandmother. Spottedcrow was incarcerated for two years before an enormous eruption of public outrage provoked a response. Local media circulated the story and people who felt the sentence was ridiculous began to organise and lobby for Patricia€™s release. Although Patricia had shown impeccably good behaviour behind bars, achieving her GED and attending self-improvement programs, none of this swayed the judge until public outrage forced a legal reaction. A reduction of Spottedcrow sentence eventually led to release on parole and a tearful reunion with her family.