'Sophisticated' conspiracy to smuggle drugs into English prisons busted by HMP Lindholme officers
Pot Noodles, packets of biscuits, hot dog tins - anything and everything was used to sneak contraband into prisons nationwide
The main players of a “sophisticated” drug smuggling operation responsible for flooding English prisons with contraband have been jailed.
Hot dog tins, mouthwash, washing powder and ultimately, any items that could conceal drugs, were used as part of a conspiracy within prisons nationwide.
But it was Doncaster officers and detectives who disbanded their work and put the offenders in prison.
Brandon Horne, 23, and Kieran Murphy, 30, were both inmates in an unspecified prison, with Horne’s mother, Michelle Midgley, 48, and Murphy’s partner, Lydia Pinnington, 28, acting as outside accomplices.
In 2023, Murphy and Pinnington were convicted of their part in a large-scale conspiracy to smuggle illicit items in prisons. Murphy was sentenced to over seven years and Pinnington was given a suspended sentence. It was at this time officers became aware that the duo were already embarking on their next venture.
Using a contraband mobile phone inside prison, Murphy conspired with Pinnington to smuggle items inside, and to bring Midgley and Horne into their circle.
As the investigation progressed, it became apparent that the gang’s processes were intricate and had a co-ordinated distribution network inside.
When prisoners are transferred, their property is sent on in the following days. Murphy and Horne would work closely together and use their understanding of other inmates’ prison transfers to circumvent procedure and sneak drugs in with fake property packages.
With help from associates on the outside, they would be sent on as if they were the genuine prisoner property package.
Their operation was streamlined enough that these fake packages would beat the genuine packages being transferred from one prison to another. A network of inmates worked to retrieve and distribute items on their behalf.
The group’s items were found to contain ketamine and cannabis as well as synthetic drugs such as spice and nicotine, in packages totalling tens of thousands of pounds.
With evidence gathered, officers swooped in and arrested Pinnington following a visit to Murphy at HMP Garth in Lancashire on 21 April 2024.
A few months later, Midgley was arrested at her home in West Yorkshire.
Bank transactions highlighted hundreds and thousands of pounds worth of transactions through Midgley’s account.
With evidence stacked against the group, they all pleaded guilty following hearings at Sheffield Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Gareth Gent from the Prison Crime Team said: “Those involved in smuggling drugs into prisons are not just breaking the law, they are deliberately destabilising the prison environment, exploiting vulnerable people and fuelling violence, intimidation and criminality.
“Our team will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle networks and those at the heart of the conspiracy and ensure that those responsible face justice.
“We will continue to work closely with prison staff and partner agencies to stop drugs entering facilities and protect both inmates and those working inside.
“I hope this sentencing sends a strong message to anyone who thinks they can jeopardise people’s safety.”
At Sheffield Crown Court on Friday (October 30), Murphy, of HMP Manchester, was sentenced to another six years inside. Horne, of HMP Lindholme, was given another four years.
Pinnington, of HMP New Hall, was sentenced to five years and six months. Midgley of Halifax Road, Ripponden was sentenced to 32 months.