A female prison officer has been sentenced to four years in prison after smuggling over £100,000 worth of drugs and phones into HMP Forest Bank. Farrah Jones, 28, was caught in the act by colleagues who found two plastic-wrapped packages in a toilet bin. The packages contained yellow and white tablets, as well as cannabis resin.
The Incident
Jones, a prison custody officer working for Geoamey, was observed entering a toilet at the prison reception on November 30 of last year. The packages were discovered during a search prompted by her suspicious behavior. The court heard that a trustee prisoner asked to use the same toilet, suggesting he might have been the intended recipient for smuggling the drugs into the prison wings.
Later that evening, police found Jones sitting in her car on Ashawe Terrace in Little Hulton, along with her “close friend” Steven Wimbleton. Officers, who detected the smell of cannabis, searched the car and discovered large quantities of drugs, multiple phones, chargers, a knife, and a loaded 9mm pistol with Wimbleton’s DNA on it.
Court Proceedings
Jones had been captured on camera smuggling the drugs under her clothing using a hot water bottle to disguise them. She tested positive for cocaine following her arrest. A search of her home revealed over £10,000 in cash hidden in her bedroom, while a search of Wimbleton’s address uncovered drug paraphernalia, a body gun holster, nine burner phones, and numerous SIM cards.
At Manchester Crown Court, prosecutor Henry Blackshaw detailed the extensive list of items recovered, noting the total street value within the prison to be £144,895. Jones pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conveying prohibited articles into prison, conspiracy to convey prohibited articles, possession of a knife, and possession of criminal property.
Mitigation and Sentencing
Michael James, mitigating for Jones, explained that she had no previous convictions and had been coerced into criminal activities due to financial debt and a history of domestic violence and drug use. He argued that she expressed genuine remorse and disappointment for her actions.
Sentencing Jones to four years in prison, Judge John Potter condemned her actions as a gross breach of trust that endangered the safety and security of the prison. Jones will serve half of her sentence in HMP Newhall.
Co-Defendant Sentenced
Steven Wimbleton, also involved in the incident, was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of class B drugs.
A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is scheduled for November 12 to recover Jones’ ill-gotten gains. This case highlights the severe consequences of corruption within the prison system and the ongoing efforts to maintain security and integrity.
