Man locked up for smuggling weapons and drugs into jail
PHONES, FLICK KNIFE AND RAZOR BLADES IN PACKAGE
A MAN who smuggled an illicit package containing drugs, phones and a knife into a North East prison has been locked up.
David John Ireland, 34, of Churchill Street, Howdon, will serve a 16-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to three counts of conveying a prohibited article into prison.
Ireland was caught on CCTV in his black Ford Mondeo near HMP Northumberland accompanied by two unidentified passengers on January 25, 2017.
After parking up near to the wire fence on the grass verge, Ireland remained in the car while the two other men – who disguised their identities – threw a large package through a hole in the prison fence.
The package was quickly intercepted by prison staff, and after it was put through an X-Ray machine, was found to contain a number of mobile phones, chargers, unknown substances, a lock flick knife and razor blades.
After forensic examination, the unidentified substances in the form of white powder and tablets were confirmed as controlled Class-C drugs – Diazepam and Oxymetholone. There were more than 650 tablets in the package alone.
Ireland was soon identified and officers were able to trace the vehicle back to him. The package was covered in his fingerprints.
He was later arrested and charged to appear before the court.
In August last year, Ireland was set to stand trial but instead pleaded guilty to all three offences at Newcastle Crown Court. He was sentenced on February 8.
Detective Constable Lucie Holland , the officer in charge of this case, said: “While the package was quickly intercepted by vigilant prison staff, it’s clear that there would have been significant consequences if it had got into the wrong hands.
“I have no doubts that Ireland would have financially gained from supplying this package, as well as opening up the possibility for violence and drug taking within the prison.
“I’m glad to see that Ireland has been locked up after some excellent work from the team.”