Today (Friday 12 May) a Prison Officer who smuggled drugs into HMP Liverpool was jailed for four years at Liverpool Crown Court.
This follows a joint investigation between the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit’s (NWROCU) Anti-Corruption Unit, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service’s Counter Corruption Unit, and HMP Liverpool.
Peter Hughes, 32, of Tranmere, pleaded guilty to Misconduct in Public Office, Possession of Class C drugs with intent to supply, and conveying class C drugs into HMP Liverpool while working as a prison officer at HMP Liverpool between 9 October 2017 and 28 April 2020.
Following an increase in drugs in the prison, prison staff conducted cell searches on one of the wings and uncovered numerous prohibited articles including mobile phones, SIM cards, Spice drug, steroids and tobacco.
An examination of CCTV footage showed Hughes entering the prison on 25 April 2020 during the early hours carrying a large bulging holdall, prior to his shift starting.
Hughes was shown entering a prisoner’s cell, then leaving 20 seconds later with an empty holdall.
The NWROCU’s Anti Corruption Unit began an investigation which led to him being arrested at his home address on 28 April 2020. During a search of his house, officers recovered a large number of steroids, needles, syringes, wipes, and a quantity of cash.
Detective Constable Brian Johnston of the North-West Regional Organised Crime Unit’s Prison Anti-Corruption Unit, said, “The conveyance of any prohibited articles into prison presents a risk to both staff and prisoners. Drugs in prison 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.”
“Hughes was financially benefitting from taking drugs into prison which enabled him to live a lavish lifestyle, with multiple holidays abroad, a £10,000 wedding, and trips abroad to have a hair transplant and breast surgery – all paid for with his ill-gotten gains.
“We want to reassure the honest, dedicated, and hardworking prison staff that we will continue to act against any member of staff who chooses to engage in corrupt activity. We encourage anyone who has information about corruption in our prisons to report it.”
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