A MUM who smuggled drugs into HMP Risley for her son has been jailed after being caught with a bag of cocaine, spice, and cannabis, under paper napkins.

Lorraine Barlow, 43, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court to be sentenced for two offences of conveying a prohibited article into prison after being caught smuggling drugs into prison.

Prosecuting, Paul Blasbery heard how Barlow had been contacted by her son after he had accrued a drugs debt.

He had been threatened, and was told his debts would be cleared if she managed to get the package of cocaine, spice, and cannabis through to him.

After she agreed, a package was dropped off at her home. The combined value of the drugs was much higher due to their added rarity in prison, therefore the package was worth almost £4,000.

Upon entering Risley, a drug sniffer dog had given a positive indication towards her, however the package was not found.

She was then allowed to enter a closed area for visitation to see her son. Upon bringing in a tray, with the drugs hidden under paper towels, she was searched by prison guards, who found the package.

Defending Barlow, Paul Wood acknowledged her ‘misplaced trust’ in her son in agreeing to this.

Mr Wood went on to state that Barlow has no previous convictions, is a mother-of-three, and has been a hard-working and productive worker most of her life.

The 43-year-old, of Wordsworth Crescent in Chester, pled guilty to the two counts.

Presiding over the hearing, recorder Peter Wright acknowledged that the offending was ‘out of character’ and heavily influenced by the pressure she was under.

Recorder Wright however stated that despite this, a deterrent sentence was necessary to ensure that even when under pressure people in similar situations say no.

Barlow was sentenced to 16 months in prison.