Couple tried to throw drugs and phone over fence into Wrexham's prison

Marcus Partyka, 28, appeared from custody at Mold Crown Court, along with his former partner, Zoe Palmer, of Albert Court, Altrincham, Cheshire, who was not in custody.

Both had pleaded guilty in the magistrates court to charges of attempting to throw prohibited articles, namely Class B drug cannabis and a mobile phone, into the grounds of HMP Berwyn last summer.

Nicholas Williams, prosecuting, told the court that the couple were seen by a member of staff by an entry area to the prison. Palmer was seen to pass Partyka two small packages, which he managed to throw over two security fences, but which fell short of the third security fence.

They were chased across the car park and claimed nothing was going on, but one of the packages was found to contain cannabis which would have been worth between £330 and £660 inside the prison.

James Preece, defending Partyka, said his client was suffering with his own addiction at the time.

"It was his pathway to offending in this case", he said.

"Fortunately the drugs did not find their way into the hands of any prisoners."

Amy Cooper, defending Palmer, said that her relationship with Partyka had ended, but she was asked to accompany him to the prison and did so out of fearing the consequences if she did not, but knew she should have refused.

Judge Niclas Parry sentenced Partyka to eight months in prison for each offence, to be served concurrently.

Palmer was given two months in prison, suspended for two years due to the coronavirus crisis, during which she will have to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Judge Parry said: "Drugs, mobile phones, even tobacco going into prisons can cause destruction, causes bullying, intimidation and violence.

"Phones can be used to intimidate witnesses on the outside.

"Your (Partyka) role was significant as a supplier. You (Palmer) acted out of a false sense of loyalty."

A forfeiture for the destruction of the drugs and phone was also made.