A former Penthouse Pet accused of smuggling "ice" into Australia has told a court her late manager used drug money to help her launch her entertainment career in the US.
Although Simone Farrow says she was initially in the dark about the scheme, when she did find out she agreed to let it continue.
Farrow pleaded guilty to importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug on September 13, 2013.
At her sentence hearing on Wednesday, she said her then accounts manager Xander Rian told her in 2009 he was funding the launch of her modelling, singing and fashion design career in America by sending packages of drugs to Australia.
Farrow said she wasn't happy about it but "agreed for him to continue doing that".
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I was promised that he was going to make my dream come true, like, my ... ambition of being someone," the 39-year-old said.
"I'm good in front of the camera. Well, I was back then."
When it was put to her that she was the one who sent the drugs, allegedly packed inside bath products, she said "that is not true".
She also denied using Rian to cover her tracks.
Rian committed suicide in October 2009.
Earlier in the trial the court heard Farrow, who is also known as Simone Cheung and professionally as Simone Starr, abused prescription drugs and couldn't function without a daily hit of "ice" while living in the US.
On Tuesday, the former model sobbed while describing her childhood, saying her mother used to lock her in a room and alleged she had taken her to a brothel when she was 17 and told her "it was okay to do that work".
The hearing continues.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
