'Fidgety' South Yorkshire prison visitor tried to deliver drugs in crisp packet

Jack Hatfield's "fidgety" demeanour attracted the attention of HMP Lindholme staff on January 2, 2019, and when he tried to pass something to the inmate in a crisp packet, they stepped in, said prosecutor Louise Gallagher.

Four sheets of the synthetic cannabinoid drug "spice", worth £220, were found along with 22.2 grams of cannabis, worth £200, and 78.6 grams of nicotine.

He told officers he had stored a lock-knife "which he uses for work and forgot about," as well as a quantity of cannabis, in a bag in the prison locker.

When police searched his North Nottinghamshire home they found 23.7 grams of cannabis resin, worth £120, and 12 grams of nicotine.

Sheffield Crown Court heard the street value of drugs can be increased by as much as five times when sold in prison.

Hatfield was told he would be paid £300 or £400 directly into his bank account, but only received £30 for his taxi fare.

"It is not accepted he performed a limited role, nor that he was exploited or put under pressure," said Ms Gallagher.

MIchael Willis, mitigating, said: "He entirely accepts this is a serious offence. He has said his goodbyes to his girlfriend and his grandmother, who he cares for."

But he urged the judge to suspend the sentence for this "stupid decision."

"There has been an 18-month delay, he was of previous good character," said Mr Willis. "There have been no further offences. His girlfriend is three months pregnant.

"He is willing and able to comply with an onerous order. This is a defendant who has already been rehabilitated. He is not a danger to the public.”

Hatfield, 24, of North Marsh Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, admitted conveying prohibited articles into prison, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, and possession of a blade in public, on June 2.

Judge Rachael Harrison said text messages showed he was acting for financial gain, even if pressure was applied, and she sentenced Hatfield to four months in prison.

You can read more of the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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