A class A drug supply smuggling operation inside North East prisons has led to six offenders being sentenced.
An investigation launched by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit, and teams at HM Prison Northumberland and HM Prison Durham, has shut down the attempted criminal enterprise.
The targeted action started when, in August 2022, a cell search of Shaun Mason, 34, uncovered a secret compartment which hid a WIFI device, a smartphone, phone charger, USB stick and an HDMI Switch box, all prohibited items in prison.
These items were seized, and hundreds of hours was then spent downloading, decoding and reviewing voice notes, images, texts and emails, leading to the unearthing of a criminal drug conspiracy involving a prison nurse.
It was soon revealed that Shaun Mason had been working with two other prisoners, Gladstone Allen, 33 and Scott Wilson, 35, to brings drugs into both HMP Northumberland and HMP Durham.
Further enquiries uncovered five other names of offenders involved: Peter Swinney, 23, Kayleigh Mason, 35, Alexandra Wallace, 30, Kalvin Thomas, 26 and the prison nurse, Kimberley Finn, 33.
All were arrested and, due to the overwhelming amount of evidence gathered, they all pleaded guilty during legal proceedings.
The pleas and sentences were as follows:
Gladstone Allen, who was already serving time in prison, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply drugs into prison and one count of conveying prohibited articles into prison. He was sentenced to 14 months behind bars.
Prison nurse Kimberley Finn, of Morris Crescent, Boldon Colliery, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison. She was sentenced to nine months suspended for 18 months with rehabilitation requirements.
Kimberley Finn, who has been sentenced for her part in a drug supply operation in North East prisons
(Image: NEROCU)
Kalvin Thomas, of Raeburn Road, South Shields, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply drugs into prison. He was sentenced to 26 weeks suspended for 18 months with 150 hours unpaid work.
Kalvin Thomas, who has been sentenced for his part in a drug supply operation in North East prisons
(Image: NEROCU)
Peter Swinney, of Copley Avenue, South Shields, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply drugs into prison, two counts of conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison and one count of possession with intent to supply. He was sentenced to six years and three months behind bars.
Peter Swinney, who has been sentenced for his part in a drug supply operation in North East prisons
(Image: NEROCU)
Alexandra Wallace, of Newburn Crescent, Houghton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison and conspiracy to supply drugs. She was sentenced to nine months suspended for 18 months with rehabilitation requirements.
Alexandra Wallace, who has been sentenced for her part in a drug supply operation in North East prisons
(Image: NEROCU)
Scott Wilson, who was already serving time in prison, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison and conspiracy to supply drugs. He was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars.
Scott Wilson, who has been sentenced for his part in a drug supply operation in North East prisons
(Image: NEROCU)
Shaun and Kayleigh Mason are both due to be sentenced in March for their involvement.
Shaun, who was already serving time in prison, pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to supply drugs and three counts of conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison.
Kayleigh Mason, of Homestall Close, South Shields, pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property.
Kayleigh Mason, who is set to be sentenced for her part in a drug supply operation in North East prisons
(Image: NEROCU)
NEROCU Detective Inspector Gaye Martin, said: “This is just part of the continued work with our prison partners to address drug supply behind bars and target anyone involved.
“This has been the result of years of hard work, and I want to thank everyone who has dedicated their time to getting justice.
“Criminals often think they can continue their criminal operations once in prison but that is not the case – our work doesn’t end with a conviction, and we continue to dismantle illicit activity and pursue offenders.
“Operations like this are just some of the tactics we are using to continue to disrupt Organised Crime under the banner of Operation Sentinel – our region wide approach to tackling organised crime in all its forms.”
An HMP Northumberland spokesperson added: “Our team works tirelessly to identify and prevent criminal activities in our prison. We are proud to support our partners in bringing those involved to justice.”
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