Probation worker, 28, tried to smuggle ketamine and cocaine in Lucozade bottle after starting ‘relationship’ with convict

A probationary worker who tried to smuggle ketamine and cocaine into a prison in a Lucozade bottle has been jailed.

Alice Graham, now 33, attempted numerous Class A drugs to HMP Wealstun in West Yorkshire after developing a ‘relationship’ with a convict.

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Prosecutor Jonathan Sharp told Leeds Crown Court that Graham was given a ‘caseload’ of prisoners to manage when she qualified for her role in March 2020.

But Graham – who was 28 at the time – grew fond of one particular convict.

It led to her searching the internet for hotels in Scunthorpe, Lincsto a bail hostel prior to his expected release.

However, Graham insisted the searches were made on behalf of the inmate’s girlfriend.

Mr Sharp explained that after the prisoner asked her to take items to prison for him, she did so – despite rumors already circulating about their relationship.

In May 2021, she agreed to smuggle a stash of contraband, including Class A drugs, syringes, three mobile phones and eight SIM cards worth up to £6,695, into the US. jail.

But Graham was stopped during a random search as she tried to enter the jail.

She panicked and showed the guards the things she had hidden under her coat.

Among her stash were other items including a 32 GB memory stick, steroids, testosterone, tobacco, cigarette paper, spices, ketamine, cocaine, hemp and MDMA pills.

She was jailed for three years at her sentencing on February 23, with Judge Kate Rayfield telling her she had “abused” her position of responsibility.

The judge said, “He [the prisoner] had much more experience in the criminal justice system than you. The relationship exceeded acceptable professional boundaries.

“You abused your trusted position as a probation officer.”

The court was told police were aware of the prisoner and he was described as a member of an organized crime gang and as a “sophisticated criminal”.

Graham described in the court how she had become “close” to the prisoner, saying she was “very, very engaging” and had “opened up” but admitted it was a “ruse”.

And she claimed she felt sorry for the prisoner, and said he was “keen” to keep in touch after his release.

She admitted seeking accommodation for him but claimed this was on behalf of his girlfriend, which was accepted by the Crown.

Graham also had a conversation with a colleague about relationships with prisoners and rumors began to circulate, the court heard.

She eventually agreed to bring in the bottle full of contraband, estimated to be worth between £6,415 and £6,695.

The probation officer was given an address where she could pick up the items and drugs where they were handed over to her.

But it all started to unravel when Graham was searched at the entrance to HMP Wealstun, leading to her arrest.

‘OUT OF HER DEPTH’

The Crown said there was no pressure or manipulation during recorded conversations between the pair.

She was also trained to spot tell-tale signs and to raise the alarm if she felt pressured by manipulative prisoners, which she did not.

And she admitted charges of transferring prohibited items to a prison.

Matthew Harding, mitigating on her behalf, said: ‘She was manipulated by the prisoner to some extent.

“It became more and more serious and she became more and more out of her depth.

“She insists it was not a commercial venture on her part. If there was a chain, it had no influence.”

He said despite losing her job with the probation service, she was back employment opportunities within a few days.