Legal Consultant Jailed for Phone Smuggling Scandal at HMP Wormwood Scrubs
Dene McClean, 37, from Enfield, has been sentenced to 42 weeks behind bars at Southwark Crown Court. The legal consultant admitted to illegally transmitting images and sounds from prison, breaching Section 40D of the Prison Act 1952.
Convicted Criminal and Consultant Caught in Illegal Phone Plot
McClean’s client, Jonathan Gomez, 36, serving time at HMP Wormwood Scrubs for firearm offences, also picked up an extra nine months after admitting similar offences. Gomez was convicted and given 12 years in January 2018 at Harrow Crown Court.
During Gomez’s trial, a phone was found on him during a court security search. A deeper probe revealed seven mobile phones linked to Gomez, all used to communicate with McClean.
Hours of Calls During Trial Raise Serious Questions
Between September 2016 and August 2017, over 544 calls and texts passed between the two, clocking over 16 hours. Shockingly, more than 27 minutes of calls took place during a crucial three-day period when Gomez was giving evidence—a strict no-go for defendants to contact their legal team.
Police Slam ‘Illegal and Unethical’ Conduct
“The use of mobile phones in prisons poses a security risk, both within the prison and to victims and witnesses of crime. This is why they are strictly prohibited,” said Acting Detective Inspector Nick I of Specialist Crime North.
“McClean, as a legal professional, undoubtedly knew his actions were illegal and unethical. He maintained contact over a 12-month period instead of reporting the smuggling. Now, he faces a criminal record and jail time.”
