Ex-prison officer jailed for running drug racket inside young offenders' jail
A former prison officer has been slammed with a hefty six-and-a-half-year jail term after smuggling class B drugs worth £10,000 into HMYOI Aylesbury and tipping off prisoners about police raids.
Claire Bennett caught red-handed
Claire Bennett, 44, from Hailsham, East Sussex, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office and multiple drug offences at Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday (2 November).
Between January and June 2017, Bennett abused her position to sneak drugs and banned items into the young offenders’ institute. She also leaked critical prison intel, helping inmates dodge detection with mobile phones and narcotics.
Corruption threatens prison safety
PC Maureen Moore from the Prison Investigation team said: “Bennett knowingly brought drugs into the prison which causes danger and violence to both prisoners and officers alike. Her conduct jeopardised the safe running of the wings.”
She added corruption never ends well. “The presence of drugs leads to violence, bullying, and obstructs rehabilitation efforts.”
PC Moore hopes Bennett’s stiff sentence sends a strong warning. “Her actions seriously compromised safety for staff and visitors.”
Government cracks down on prison crime
Prisons Minister Rory Stewart MP weighed in: “Corrupt and criminal activity like this undermines a whole prison and puts our hard-working staff at risk. I am grateful to the police for their efforts to stop her and pleased the court has handed down this significant sentence.”
Bennett was charged on 10 September before pleading guilty last week. Her jail term reflects the serious threat posed by corrupt insiders in the UK prison system.
