Four jailed for smuggling contraband into HMP Risley

Today (Thursday 13 June) at Liverpool Crown Court, two men and two women have been jailed for more than 12 years following a joint investigation between the NWROCU’s Prison Anti-Corruption Unit, His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service’s Counter Corruption Unit, and HMP Risley.

Adrienne Juniper and Amy Portwood were care professionals contracted by HMP Risley to care for a disabled inmate. While in prison, they formed close relationships with prisoners Phillip Phythian and Darren McAndrew and collaborated with them to smuggle contraband into the facility.

Their plans were foiled on 7 January 2022 when prison staff searched the jacket of the disabled prisoner they were caring for, and found large packets of drugs, tobacco, and mobile phones.

The NWROCU's Anti-Corruption Unit later evidenced that he, along with another prisoner, was being used as a mule to smuggle in the contraband.

The NWROCU obtained mobile phone conversations which proved that Juniper was in a relationship with McAndrew and Portwood with Phythian. They also recovered Portwood’s DNA from the packages.

Adrienne Juniper, 35, of St Helens Road, Leigh and Amy Portwood, 41, of Hughes Avenue, Orford, pleaded guilty to guilty to conspiracy to convey Class A, B, and C drugs into HMP Risley, conspiracy to convey a mobile phone into HMP Risley, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine/ heroin), Class B drugs (cannabis), and Class C drugs (Anabolic Steroids). Portwood was jailed for 22 months, and Juniper for 22 months, suspended for 2 years. 

Phillip Phythian, 33 and Darren McAndrew, 40, both serving at HMP Forrest Bank will each serve a concurrent sentence of three years and nine months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to convey Class A , B and C drugs into HMP Risley, and offences relating to bringing in and using mobile phones in the prison.

Detective Constable Brian Johnston of the North-West Regional Organised Crime Unit’s Prison Anti-Corruption Unit, said:

“I’m pleased that all those involved have now been brought to justice. Drugs have no place in prison and hinder the rehabilitation of who are there, and a detrimental effect on the good order and discipline of the jail, often linked to violence, self-harm, bullying, and debt.”

“We want to reassure the honest, dedicated, and hardworking prison staff that we will continue to act against any member of staff who chooses to engage in corrupt activity. We encourage anyone who has information about corruption in our prisons to report it.”