Former Doncaster Prison Officer Jailed for Smuggling Drugs and Phones
Ex-officer caught red-handed sneaking contraband
Thomas Walls, 26, a former officer at HMP Doncaster, has been handed a hefty jail term of five years and seven months. The sentence comes after he was busted trying to sneak a stash of illicit items, including Class A and B drugs, mobile phones, and tobacco, back into the prison where he used to work.
CCTV and suspicions lead to arrest
Walls, from Zetland Road, Intake, raised eyebrows by dodging staff searches. In November 2019, prison staff grew suspicious and reported him. CCTV footage revealed Walls leaving the prison then returning with his prison-issue bag, which upon search, held packages packed with contraband.
Drugs, phones and more uncovered in smuggling attempt
Police found mobile phones, lighters, chargers, bags of white powder, spice, cannabis, and tobacco inside the wrapped packages. Walls admitted to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs and smuggling List A, B & C articles into the prison.
Officials vow zero tolerance on prison smuggling
“Walls abused his position as a prison officer and now faces a custodial sentence himself,” said Detective Constable Jon White from Doncaster’s Prison Crime Unit. “He repeatedly dodged searches to fuel organised crime inside the prison, putting colleagues’ safety in jeopardy. We hope this sends a clear message: We are watching, taking action, and bringing offenders to justice.” John Hewitson, Serco Prison Director at HMP Doncaster, added: “We have zero tolerance for lawbreakers and will continue working with police to stamp out these risks. Contraband in a secure prison will never be accepted.”
