1:30pm Wednesday 23rd December 2009
By Hannah Bargery
A WOMAN waiting to have reconstructive surgery after suffering from breast cancer has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment after attempting to smuggle drugs into Risley prison.
Patricia Lyons, aged 53, from Rochdale, had to postpone the surgery after being caught taking subutex, a substitute for heroin, into the prison for her boyfriend during a visit on March 28.
She pleaded guilty to possession of a class C drug with intent to supply at Warrington Crown Court on Wednesday, December 16.
Stephen Hoolohan, prosecuting, said: “You were quite clearly seen taking the substance out of your bra which had a prison value of £90 to £100.
“In many of these cases the person involved has been put under pressure to supply the drugs but that’s not the situation here.”
Lyons, who also suffers from arthritis, has no dependant family after her four children were taken away from her when they were young.
Rebecca Blain, defending, said: “Ms Lyons’ relationship with Mr Owens is not a positive one and born out of loneliness, depression and wanting to be wanted.
“She is a vulnerable member of society and of ill health. She is not someone the public needs protecting from and not likely to come back before the court.”
Judge Stephen Clarke said: “Drugs are a real problem in prison establishments.
“I do not pretend I enjoy doing this but there is a need to make it quite plain there’s a public policy to be pursued.
“You’re not a well person and I take that into account. The problem for this court is you went to supply drugs which have a currency within the prison.
“This offence always carries with it a custodial sentence. The court has sympathy but has a public duty and there’s no other option.”
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