Woman tried to smuggle drugs into Holme House Prison - but was caught 'pulling package from sleeve'

A woman who attempted to smuggle drugs into Holme House Prison has been sentenced.

Stacey McKane was visiting the Stockton-based prison on December 16, 2022, when she was spotted retrieving a package from her sleeve. Upon inspection by officers, the package was found to contain the drugs pregablin and buprenorphine.

During her appearance at Newcastle Crown Court, 36-year-old McKane pleaded guilty to two counts of introducing a prohibited article into prison. Prosecutor Omar Ahmed detailed the incident: "Just before 2pm on December 16, 2022, the defendant was in the visitors lounge at Holme House prison. She went to see a prisoner.

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"A prison officer was monitoring CCTV and observed the defendant retrieve a package from her right sleeve. The defendant was subsequently approached by an officer and searched."

Upon discovery of the drugs, McKane was arrested. Jonathan Pigford, mitigating, informed the court that McKane expressed remorse for her actions.

He further noted that McKane, of Manisty House, Benwell, struggles with mental health issues, has a long history of substance abuse, and is currently homeless. Recorder Toby Hedworth stated: "Supply of drugs to a serving prisoner is regarded by the court as an extremely serious matter.

"On the prison estate, access to drugs can cause the most profound problems for those who take them and for those who are trying to look after them whilst they are serving their sentence." He handed down a three-month prison sentence to McKane, reports Chronicle Live.

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