Woman caught trying to take drugs into jail

A WOMAN was caught attempting to smuggle prescription-only Class C drugs into a prison for an inmate.

Victoria Gale, 42, of Sherwood Road, Grimsby, admitted possession of a controlled Class C drug with intent to supply at Hull Crown Court.

Stephen Robinson, prosecuting, told the court Gale took controlled Class C drugs, namely buprenorphine, a strong painkiller used by cancer patients, and pregabalin, a drug to treat epilepsy and anxiety, into a prison when she visited an inmate in November.

She was caught with the drugs and was subsequently arrested.

She pleaded not guilty at the early stages of her court hearing, but later changed her plea to guilty.

Fatima Zafar, mitigating, told the court Gale was facing several difficulties in her life two years ago when the offence was committed, but now wishes to turn her life around.

From the dock, Gale addressed the judge stating she had “made a mistake” and “would never be caught doing something like this again”.

Judge Mark Bury told Gale:

“Two years ago, you made a stupid decision to take drugs into prison. Maybe someone offered you some money or you were an easy target.

“Normally taking drugs into prison would carry an immediate custodial sentence, but I am told you were going through a difficult time in your life, so I am going to suspend the sentence.”

Judge Bury sentenced Gale to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months, as well as five rehabilitation days.

He reminded her that it was not optional and she could find herself serving the four months if she failed to attend the required days.