A pub landlady and her boyfriend have admitted plotting to deal drugs out of a Croydon boozer.

Toni Sheard, 29, and John Nelson Robinson, 49, and were due to stand trial this week accused of conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis at the Tamworth Arms in Tamworth Road.

Each pleaded not guilty at Croydon Crown Court in March.

But at a hearing on Monday the pair admitted to offering to supply cannabis from the pub between September 2014 and May 2015.

RELATED: Pair deny plotting to deal drugs out of Croydon pub

Robinson, of Church Street, also pleaded guilty to being illegally in possession of £3,500 and possession of cocaine.

Sheard, who lives at the pub, admitted offering to supply cannabis and possession of criminal property.

Prosecutors dropped charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine against both.

Detective Constable Tom Sole, from Croydon Borough's Crime Squad, said: "This couple used the pub as a front to sell drugs.

"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."

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Sheard and Robinson leaving Croydon Magistrates' Court earlier this year. Right: Tamworth Arms

The Tamworth Arms closed its doors in June 2015, two days before a Croydon Council was due to review its licence and less than a year after More Inns Limited - under the directorship of Sheard - took control of the pub.

Police who raided the pub the previous month found large quantities of cannabis and evidence that suggested the presence of other drugs.

Police sergeant Michael Emery said: “The management of these premises was poor, evidence was found which suggests that the use and supply of drugs was common place.”

In a series of reports submitted to the council’s licensing sub-committee, police stated that during the May 21 search a large quantity of cannabis resin was found in the basement.

RELATED: Owners of pub associated with drug dealing surrender licence

The pub was littered with small bags, all with the same printed logo, and some contained traces of white powder, believed to be cocaine.

The pub had its licence suspended the day after the police raid.

A later search of Robinson's home led to the discovery of further drugs and paraphernalia, as well as a large quantity of cash.

More Inns Ltd was dissolved on March 29 this year, days after Sheard and Robinson entered not-guilty pleas at Croydon Crown Court.

Sentencing of Robinson and Sheard was adjourned until September 2 to await a pre-sentence report.

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