Former HMP Garth staff member jailed

Jane Littler, 31, of Rivington Road, Chorley, was yesterday (Thursday 15 January) sentenced to five and a half years at Preston Crown Court following an investigation into corruption and the supply of prohibited items to prisoners.

Littler began working at HMP Garth in August 2014, delivering rehabilitation courses to male prisoners, including programmes aimed at reducing violence.

The NWROCU’s investigation began in August 2021 when a mobile phone was discovered in a prisoner’s cell. Analysis revealed more than 2,000 contacts between the device and Littler. Subsequent searches uncovered further evidence of inappropriate contact and prohibited items linked to the defendant.

On 5 October 2021, Littler was arrested at her home address. Officers seized mobile phones, handwritten notes, and packages containing substances including spice and 768 painkiller tablets. Letters recovered from her address indicated an inappropriate relationship with a serving prisoner.

Detective Inspector Brian Morley from the NWROCU’s Prison Investigation Unit said:

“This case demonstrates the serious consequences of corruption within prisons. Staff are entrusted with supporting rehabilitation and protecting the public, but when that trust is abused, it undermines the integrity of the entire system. The defendant not only engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a serving prisoner, but also facilitated the introduction of dangerous substances into a custodial environment. These actions fuel organised crime, put other prisoners and staff at risk, and erode public confidence in the justice system.

“Today’s sentence sends a clear message: corruption will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted. We will continue to work closely with our partners in the prison service to ensure that those who seek to exploit their position for criminal gain are held accountable.”