Prison officer smuggled phones and drugs for inmate

The prison officer worked at HMP Preston in Lancashire

A prison officer who brought in cannabis and mobile phones for an inmate has been jailed for more than two years.

James Gregson, 21, was arrested while attempting to smuggle the items into HMP Preston in Lancashire for prisoner Paul Matheson, police said.

Matheson was jailed for 20 years in October 2022 for possessing a firearm with intent and wounding with intent.

Gregson and Matheson pleaded guilty to conspiring to convey cannabis and mobile phones into the jail, along with Matheson's brother Stuart Matheson.

'Risk to staff'

Gregson, who also pleaded guilty to converting criminal property, was arrested on 8 November 2022 after he was caught with the items by prison staff.

Officers from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit found he had been handed the drugs and phones from Stuart Matheson during several meetings in October and November that year.

Police then uncovered a large amount of cash at Gregson's home, which he later admitted was his payment.

Gregson was jailed for two years and four months. Paul Matheson, who is already serving a prison sentence was jailed for a further 20 months.

Stuart Matheson was jailed for nine months, suspended for 12, for his involvement.

Det Ch Insp Chris McClellan said smuggling presents a risk to both staff and prisoners.

"In particular, the consumption of drugs within a prison can have a detrimental effect on the good order and discipline of the establishment and can be linked to instances of violence, self-harm, bullying and debt," he said.

“Any staff member found to be financially benefitting from smuggling items into prisons will be investigated and put before the courts and their ill-gotten gains forfeited.”