Gang jailed over prison drug smuggling racket

Members of a gang who smuggled drugs into prison hidden inside hot dog tins, mouthwash and packets of washing powder have been jailed.

South Yorkshire Police said the group used "any items" they could to smuggle ketamine, cannabis and spice into prisons across the UK.

Sheffield Crown Court heard the gang exploited the system used for forwarding on inmates' possessions when they were transferred from one prison to another to get the items into jail.

On Friday serving prisoners Brandon Horne, 23, and Kieran Murphy, 30, Horne's mother, Michelle Midgley, and Murphy's partner Lydia Pinnington were jailed for their roles in the conspiracy.

A police spokesperson said when Horne and Murphy became aware a prisoner was being moved they would have fake property packages created and filled with contraband.

With the help of Midgely and Pinnington they would then have the bogus parcels sent on to the appropriate prison ahead of the real package, with the items then distributed by other inmates involved in the scam.

The force said Murphy was already serving a jail sentence for his role in another major smuggling conspiracy, while Pinnington had received a suspended sentence for money laundering linked to the activity.

Det Sgt Gareth Gent said: "Those involved in smuggling drugs into prisons are not just breaking the law, they are deliberately destabilising the prison environment, exploiting vulnerable people and fuelling violence, intimidation and criminality.

"I hope this sentencing sends a strong message to anyone who thinks they can jeopardise people's safety."

On Friday, Horne, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four years and Murphy for six years after both pleaded guilty to a number of drugs charges.

Pinnington, 28, of Clieves Road, Liverpool, was sentenced to five and a half years while Midgley, 48, of Halifax Road in Ripponden was jailed for 32 months.

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