Prison Officer and Crew Jailed for Smuggling Massive Drug Haul into Dorset Jail
A prison officer and three accomplices have been locked up for masterminding a high-stakes smuggling ring at HMP Guys Marsh in Dorset. The gang ran a “deliberate criminal enterprise” to sneak drugs, phones, and SIM cards behind bars.
The Crooks Behind Bars
- Matthew Langdown, 36, prison officer from Ferndown – guilty of conspiracy to smuggle contraband, drug supply, and misconduct in public office. He’s caged for 4½ years, serving concurrently.
- Brian Grady, 39, inmate with no fixed address – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to smuggle, sentenced to 4 years.
- Paul O’Shea, 43, Bristol resident – admitted conspiracy, handed 23 months behind bars.
- Kady Griffin, 34, also from Bristol – convicted of conspiracy, gets an 18-month suspended sentence.
They were all charged last April for smuggling between January and September 2023.
How They Pulled Off The Prison Heist
Grady, the inmate, teamed up with Langdown, the corrupt officer, who hid banned goods inside protein powder tubs to dodge prison security. Grady then handed out the stash to other prisoners.
Outside men O’Shea and Griffin supplied Langdown with contraband and collected cash payments from contacts linked to inmates.
Shady Deals and Big Money Moves
- Police recorded nine covert meetings across Dorset and Wiltshire from January to August 2023, where Langdown received drugs and cash from O’Shea and Griffin.
- Financial investigations revealed over £60,000 funnelled into Griffin and O’Shea’s accounts – some from inmate bank accounts.
- O’Shea also wired thousands to Langdown via Western Union.
Busted: Protein Tub Packed with Prohibited Goods Worth up to £190K
When arrested in September 2023, police found at O’Shea’s home a protein powder tub stuffed with:
- Thousands of Pregabalin capsules (a Class C drug)
- 22 smartphones
- 20 SIM cards
- 20 charging cables
- 1 4G router
This haul is valued between £90,000 and £190,000 on the prison black market.
Langdown’s mobile phone data also linked him to cocaine trafficking outside the prison.
Prison Service Vows to Root Out Corruption
“Our Counter-Corruption Unit worked closely with police to uncover this despicable behaviour,” said a Prison Service spokesperson. “The overwhelming majority of Prison Service staff are hardworking and honest, but as this case shows, we will always take robust action when officers fall below our high standards.”
