Officer at HMP Preston jailed for smuggling in contraband for inmates

A Prison Officer who smuggled contraband into HMP Preston for serving inmates is facing time behind bars after being sentenced at Preston Crown Court.

James Gregson, 21, of Grasmere Avenue, Leyland, Paul Matheson, 41, of Houldsworth Road, Preston, and Stuart Matheson, 45, of 17 Ashfield, Preston all pleaded guilty to conspiring to convey cannabis and mobile phones into HMP Preston between 29th September 2022 and 9th November 2022. Gregson also pleaded guilty to converting criminal property.

Gregson was arrested on 8th November 2022 after he was caught by prison staff attempting to smuggle cannabis and mobile phones into HMP Preston for prisoner Paul Matheson. The NWROCU's Anti-Corruption Unit began an investigation and found evidence that Gregson had obtained the drugs and phones from Paul Matheson’s brother Stuart Matheson, during several meetings in October and November 2022.

Following Gregson’s arrest, NWROCU officers searched his home address and uncovered a large quantity of cash which Gregson later admitted was his payment for smuggling the items into prison.

Gregson was jailed for 2 years and four months.

Paul Matheson, who is already serving a prison sentence was jailed for a further 20 months.

Stuart Matheson was jailed for nine months suspended for 12 months for his involvement.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris McClellan from the NWROCU’s Prison Corruption Team said:

“This was a joint investigation between our Prison Anti-Corruption Unit, HMPPS’ Counter Corruption Unit, and HMP Preston.

“The conveyance of any prohibited articles into prisons presents a risk to both staff and prisoners. In particular, the consumption of drugs within a prison can have a detrimental effect on the good order and discipline of the establishment and can be linked to instances of violence, self-harm, bullying and debt”.

“Any HMPPS staff member found to be financially benefitting from smuggling items into prisons will be investigated and put before the courts and their ill-gotten gains forfeited”.

“We want to reassure the honest, dedicated, and hardworking prison staff that we will continue to take action against people who choose to engage in corrupt activity, together with HMPPS Counter Corruption Unit and prisons across the region.

“We encourage anyone who has information about corruption in our prisons to report it.” First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.