Former Lancashire prison governor who had relationship with a drug gang boss jailed for nine years
Kerri Pegg was found guilty of two counts of misconduct in a public office and handling criminal product
Last updated 16th May 2025
A former Lancashire prison governor has been sentenced to nine years in prison for having a relationship with a prisoner and accepting a Mercedes from him as a gift.
42-year-old Kerri Pegg had been seen as a shining light in the prison service during her time at HMP Kirkham.
Pegg from Up Holland in Lancashire had quickly climbed the ladder becoming a prison governor in just a matter of years.
It was during her time in charge of HMP Kirkham she struck up an relationship with a drug gang boss who she had signed off on temporary release and even swapped her Honda Jazz for a Mercedes which had been paid for by drugs.
Back in April she was convicted of misconduct in public office and possession of criminal property in a trial at Preston Crown Court.
In mid-2019 Anthony Saunderson was released from prison and early the following year, was using an encrypted communication system called Encrochat to speak to his criminal associates.
Law enforcement agencies gained access to Encrochat and were able to see the messages which included references to ‘Kerry’ and to obtaining a Mercedes for his girlfriend.
In late 2020, Pegg was arrested and the Mercedes was parked outside her house. She had a ‘burner’ mobile telephone used just to communicate with Saunderson and his DNA was found on footwear and a toothbrush at her home.
Investigations following her arrest also showed that she was in serious debt and had a number of county court judgements against her.
Pegg had never disclosed any relationship with Saunderson, nor the county court judgements, to her employer. The rules of her employment required her to disclose both. She has since been dismissed from her role.
Detective Superintendent Claire Maguire is the head of intelligence for the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit. She spoke about the evidence revealed by the encrypted messages:
"It showed the extent of the relationship, there was messages where Anthony Saunderson was talking around dropping off food to Kerri and mentioned about staying overnight with her.
"One of the more prominent ones was where he exchanged 36 kilos of amphetamine for a Mercedes.
"The evidence only got stronger when we'd arrested Kerri Pegg, completed the house search, and seized those items for forensic examination.
"We found flip flops and toothbrush, both had his DNA on it.
Detective Inspector Brian Morley, from the NWROCU's Prison Intelligence Unit, said:
"Kerri Pegg was a senior figure within the Prison Service, a public servant expected to behave to the highest standards but this was serious misconduct on her part and greatly undermines the trust given to prison staff and order in a prison."