A former prison guard who smuggled drugs into Erlestoke Prison, near Devizes, has been jailed for three years.

Hannah Gaves, 27, of Park End Road, Gloucester, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and attempt to bring tobacco into prison.

She was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court todayto three years in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170.

Erlestoke prison near Devizes, where Gaves was a guard, received intelligence that she was smuggling articles into the prison.

On Sunday, January 27, 2019, Gaves was stopped on her way into work before she entered the prison and was searched. Cocaine was found concealed in her underwear and she also had in her possession black plastic bags of cannabis, five packets of tobacco and Rizzlas.

Gaves was arrested that morning on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and a further search of her home address in Chippenham saw money and herbal cannabis seized.

The search of an inmate’s cell, who Gaves was suspected of having inappropriate relations with and smuggling drugs into the prison on behalf of, found tobacco and a sim card.

Detective Sergeant Garry Epps, from the Crime Targeting Team, said: “There is simply no tolerance for the behaviour shown by Gaves in this case.

“The custodial sentence that has been given further highlights the severity of Gaves’ actions and we hope acts as a deterrent to anyone who thinks they may be able to get away with anything similar.

“There is no excuse for ever falling into such activities and we will always act strongly against anyone attempting to take drugs or any form of contraband into our prisons.”

Local Inspector Chris Martin said: “We will always act on intelligence given to us and not only patrol the parameters of the prison robustly but also the comings and goings inside the prison as well.

“This case highlights the ongoing partnership work between Wiltshire Police and staff at HMP Erlestoke to disrupt the illegal supply of drugs into the prison.”

Anyone who notices anything suspicious in the Erlestoke area or has information regarding anything connected to the prison should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.