Nottingham criminal solicitor advocate Phil Plant recently travelled to Northampton Crown Court to represent his client who was charged with conveying a prohibited item into prison. The case was prepared by senior Crown Court Litigator Sarah Lees-Collier.
Prohibited Item Conveyed into Prison
Our client had arranged a visit to see her boyfriend in prison. At the same time she had arranged to convey a mobile telephone and a quantity of the substance spice that at the time had been a legal high. It has now been made illegal.
The drop was intercepted at the visits area, having been caught on CCTV. Suspicions had been aroused when our client was seen passing her baby to her boyfriend. The baby was reluctant to be passed over. As this was taking place the swap was noticed. The items were then seized.
Early Instructions
Phil took instructions from his client. She maintained that she felt that her boyfriend was under pressure from people inside the prison. She had made repeated attempts to bring it to the attention of the authorities including writing to her local MP. These problems were largely ignored save that the defendant was moved prisons. Within days of the defendant being moved her was viciously attacked and left with a noticeable scar. It was a result of this attack that she felt under compulsion to take the item in to the prison.
Phil gave early realistic advice that all of this information might be effective mitigation, but would not provide her with a defence to bringing a prohibited item into prison. She accepted this advice and entered a guilty plea at her first Crown Court appearance.
Suspended Sentence Imposed
The Judge was initially prepared to adjourn for reports, and once all of the necessary information was before the court the sentencing Judge was prepared to suspend what was an inevitable prison sentence. The decision was based on the effective mitigation that Phil was able to put before the court.
Contact Us
It will be important to you that you receive early advice that allows you to out your best case before the court, whether that is the Magistrates’ or Crown Court. If you face proceedings, please contact Phil or Sarah on 0115 9599550 or email them here.
