Liverpool woman jailed for smuggling drugs into Stafford Prison

Nov 26 2007

A WOMAN who smuggled drugs, a mobile phone and charger into Stafford Prison hidden in her vagina, was jailed today for two years.

Paula Carney was convicted at Stafford Crown Court in September of possessing heroin and cannabis with intent to supply.

Mr Nick Burn, prosecuting, said the smuggled items wrapped in clingfilm were recovered after Carney (41) of Othello Close, Liverpool, was stripped searched in the prison after being stopped by a sniffer dog. Detectives also recovered a mobile phone SIM card in the clingfilm.

During the trial she claimed duress and said she was forced to take in the drugs under threats of violence. Johnn Hodgson (22) of Pemberton Road, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to incitement to supply drugs. Sentence was adjourned for further inquiries to be made.

Judge John Maxwell told Carney: "You were convicted by a jury of smuggling drugs into prison which had a value inside approaching £2,000. You smuggled the drugs in for him and you were caught. You pleaded not guilty and said your were under pressure. To say you were forced by threats of violence I find impossible to believe."

The judge said that he wanted prison authorities to be made aware that Carney - who cried in the dock throughout her sentencing - was a suicide risk.

Mr Shaun Brogan, defending Hodgson, told Judge Maxwell: "He was under pressure from other inmates who threatened him with violence over drugs so that he had to go into segregation."

Sentence on Hodgson was adjourned for further inquiries to be made into his allegation that he was pressured to have drugs brought into Stafford Prison.