Visitor who smuggled drugs and SIM cards into Risley Prison is jailed

Anthony Moane admitted to handing over the items during a visit to his brother-in-law when he appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday.

Moane, of Ridsdale Avenue in Manchester, took the packages into Risley during a routine visit on Monday, May 2.

Peter Hussy, prosecuting, said Moane was spotted on the CCTV in the prison visiting hall hiding a parcel behind him.

He was seen handing it over to an inmate and when the guards approached, the prisoner threw the item across the room.

The package was found to contain 10 Sim cards, mobile phone parts including a cable, a Vodafone top -up card for £30 and three wraps containing “legal highs”.

The court heard that ahead of Moane’s visit to Risley Prison, an unidentified man had knocked on his door and asked him to take a pre-wrapped parcel into the prison.

Mr Hussy told the court: “He asked what was in it and was told it was just tobacco and it was legal to take it in.

“He was asked why he concealed it if it was legal and he accepted that he thought he might not be allowed to take it in. 

“He said he was placed under some pressure.”

Moane, who defended himself in court, said: “I fully regret the decision on that day. 

“I feel really foolish for it. I didn’t realise the consequences of my actions. 

“I do realise that I should never have done what I did.

“It’s not in my character to do that sort of stuff, I like to think of myself as a normal person. 

“It’s not what I’m about. It was a moment of madness. 

“I do accept that I was in the wrong.”

Judge Roger Dutton, sentencing, said: “You took into one of Her Majesty’s prisons items that are prohibited and items that have a clear use and value in the prison system.

“The waiting areas are covered with notices telling visitors of the consequences of taking items inside.

“You should have resisted the pressure that was on you.”

Moane was sentenced to six months in prison.