Three jailed for smuggling drugs into HMP Forest Bank

A Prison Officer who smuggled drugs into HMP Forest Bank for two inmates has been jailed (Tuesday 25 June) at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

Hannah Angwaba, 30, of Leng Road, Manchester was jailed for 4 years and 6 months after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs into prison after a trial in April. At a prior court hearing, she pled guilty to misconduct in a public office as well as conspiring to bring mobile phones and tobacco into the prison.

Julius Marshall, 33 of Unity Drive, Salford has been jailed for 7 years, after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs into the prison at a trial in April.

Anton McPherson, 33, of Merseybank Avenue, Chorlton, has also had his jail sentence extended by 5 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, conspiracy to convey mobile phones and tobacco into prison, and possession of a mobile phone in prison.

Angwaba was arrested in January 2020 after she was caught attempting to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into HMP Forest bank by hiding them in her hair.

The NWROCU's Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation and discovered evidence that Angwaba was in a relationship with McPherson and agreed to smuggle drugs into the prison for him and Marshall in exchange for money.

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

“The conveyance of any prohibited articles into prison presents a risk to both staff and prisoners because of the associated disorder and violence they cause.

"Angwaba was financially benefitting from taking drugs into prison but she will now pay the price for her crimes. 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.”