Man jailed for trying to smuggle drugs into Doncaster prison

Sheffield Crown Court heard on April 29 how Nathan Williams, aged 32, was visiting HMP Lindholme, at Hatfield Woodhouse, when he was caught trying to pass drugs to an inmate.

Nicoleta Alistari, prosecuting, said Williams was visiting an inmate but he was seen on CCTV by security officers looking around while taking out a small packet which contained cannabis and spice.

Williams, of School Crescent, Dewsbury, pleaded guilty to two counts of conveying an illegal substance into prison and admitted possessing cannabis after the incident on December 4.

Ms Alistari added that Williams admitted committing the offences on the basis that he had a drug-debt and he had been put under pressure to bring the drugs into the prison.

Ms Turner, defending, said: “It comes as no surprise that this defendant had been a misuser of illicit substances hence why he ran up a substantial drug-debt.”

She added: “He knew what he was being asked to do is wrong and he is mindful of the difficulties drugs create to prison staff and he acknowledges that.”

Ms Turner said: “He was not the mastermind behind the proposal but he did as instructed because he was generally fearful for himself.”

Judge David Dixon sentenced Williams to 11-months of custody.

He told Williams: “Drugs in prison cause major problems. There are basic health problems but alongside that there is blackmail and threats that go with those involved in the trade.”