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Former guard jailed after smuggling drugs into Erlestoke Prison

A former prison guard who smuggled drugs into Erlestoke Prison has been jailed for three years.

Hannah Gaves, 27, of Park End Road, Gloucester, worked as a guard at HM Prison Erlestoke, a Category C men’s prison, located to the east of the village of Erlestoke in Wiltshire.

The Prison management received intelligence that Gaves was smuggling articles into the prison and on 27 January 2019, Gaves was stopped on her way into the prison and a search was conducted.

Cocaine was found concealed in her underwear, as well as black plastic bags of cannabis, five packets of tobacco and Rizzlas (rolling papers).  Gaves was immediately arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and a further search of her home address in Chippenham saw money and herbal cannabis seized.

In addition, the Prison searched the cell of an inmate, who Gaves was suspected of having inappropriate relations with.  That search turned up tobacco and a sim card.

On 28 August 2020, Gaves plead guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and attempt to bring tobacco into prison and was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170.

Detective Sergeant Garry Epps, from the Crime Targeting Team, said:

“There is simply no tolerance for the behaviour shown by Gaves in this case.

“The custodial sentence that has been given further highlights the severity of Gaves’ actions and we hope acts as a deterrent to anyone who thinks they may be able to get away with anything similar.

“There is no excuse for ever falling into such activities and we will always act strongly against anyone attempting to take drugs or any form of contraband into our prisons.”

Local Inspector Chris Martin said:

“We will always act on intelligence given to us and not only patrol the parameters of the prison robustly but also the comings and goings inside the prison as well.

“This case highlights the ongoing partnership work between Wiltshire Police and staff at HMP Erlestoke to disrupt the illegal supply of drugs into the prison.”

Police are asking anyone who notices anything suspicious in the Erlestoke area or has information regarding anything connected to the prison to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously

Contact Gi Swindon
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