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A prison nurse who was caught smuggling drugs and mobile phones into HMP Preston was part of a ‘sophisticated drugs gang’.
Kiera Burton was stopped and searched on her way into work and is one of 15 members of the organised crime gang who have now been tailed for a total of more than 50 years between them.
The 33-year-old from Leyland was part of the criminal network involved in supplying cannabis, spice, ketamine and MDMA into prisons across Lancashire.
A search of her home and car at Alvis Close, Farington, by police found hollowed out soles in her shoes as well as mobile phone equipment linking her with the drugs gang.
Burton was sentenced to one year and eight months for taking cannabis, ketamine and spice along with mobile phones, SIM cards and charging equipment into HMP Preston during a seven month stretch.
How did the gang work?
The gang also used sophisticated drones to deliver parcels of drugs which were dropped into the prison yards.
Another tactic involved a serving prisoner claiming to be unwell so they were taken to hospital where they would pick up packages of drugs and phones left for them in the toilets.
Evidence was gathered to show drugs were also brought into jail in children’s clothing on prison visits.
The investigation began into the drug supply of Stinton Glover and Eric Taylor where billing for Glover’s mobile phone showed two of the top contacts were prisoners inside Lancaster Farms prison.
Further enquiries uncovered the rest of the criminal network with the part of the illicit operation run from inside prison coordinated by inmates Jonathan Royal and Danny Ryder.
Read more: Man jailed after hiding bags of resin in his shoes on HMP Preston visit
What did police have to say?
Detective Sergeant Stu Peall of the Lancashire Police East exploitation team said after the sentencing on Friday 21 March at Preston Crown Court: “This was a sophisticated criminal gang involving both serving prisoners and people on the outside smuggling drugs and other contraband like mobile phones and sim cards on a regular basis into prisons using a variety of different methods.
“We will continue to work with our partners in the prison service partners to tackle drug supply and target anyone involved.
“Criminals who think they can carry on with their illicit operations behind bars should think again – this case shows that we will dismantle criminal gangs operating inside and outside of prison, disrupt their activity and pursue offenders and put them before the courts.”
“I am grateful to colleagues in the prison service and at the Crown Prosecution Service in what was a very complex investigation.”
The drugs gang – in full
Eric Taylor, 38, of Haven Street, Burnley. Jailed for four years and three months for smuggling cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms.
Stinton Glover, 32, of Hargreaves Street, Burnley. Jailed for five years for smuggling cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms.
David Leach, 32, of Hill Street, Shotton, Deesside. Jailed for five years and 10 months for smuggling cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms.
Oliver Howlett, 35, of Lancaster Farms. Jailed for nine months for helping to supply cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms.
Jonathan Royal, 32, of no fixed address. Jailed for smuggling cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Preston.
Deborah Ingram, 53, of Pembroke Street, Burnley. Jailed for one year and two months for smuggling cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Preston.
Katie Walter, 22, of Spring Street, Rishton. Jailed for one year and four months for smuggling cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms.
Jamie Whelan, 29, of Hermitage Street, Rishton. Jailed for two years and three months for production and possession of cannabis.
Daniel Ryder, 32, of Spring Hill Road, Accrington. Jailed for six years for cocaine, MDMA, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms as well as wider cannabis supply and production.
Ryan Pickering, 31, of Lancaster Farms. Jailed for four years and six months for smuggling cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Preston.
Sean Allmen, 37, of Lancaster Farms. Jailed for one year and eight months for smuggling cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Preston.
Sean Mortimer, 45, of Windermere Avenue, Burnley. Jailed for five years and 10 months for smuggling cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms.
Michael Royal, 34, of Quaker Drive, Brierfield. Jailed for two years and nine months for smuggling cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine and spice into HMP Lancaster Farms along with charges relating to dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.
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