A WOMAN hid drugs in her bra so she could smuggle them into prison for her inmate boyfriend.
Demi Perry planned to pass buprenorphine – a painkiller also known as Subutex – to childhood sweetheart Carl Minto, who is serving four-and-a-half years for robbery and wounding, Durham Crown Court heard.
But bosses at Durham Prison were waiting for her after intercepting phone calls between the two.
When they searched Perry they found two tablets wrapped in clingfilm concealed in her bra.
Perry claimed she didn’t know what the tablets were, and said it was the first time she had tried to smuggle anything in.
Prosecutor Paul Lee said the phone calls showed support for Perry’s claim she had been put under pressure by Minto.
“In one of the calls he says she would bring the drugs if she loved him,” added Mr Lee.
“She replied that if he loved her, he wouldn’t ask her to do it.”
Perry, 21, of Hewitt Avenue, Ryhope, admitted conspiracy to supply a Class C drug on August 7.
She has a previous reprimand for theft and cautions for harassment, assault and theft.
Minto, formerly of Edgemond Court, Ryhope, admitted the same conspiracy charge.
Chris Morrison, for Minto, said: “Mr Minto became depressed upon conviction.
“He acquired the drugs habit in Durham Prison.
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“He’s a non-smoker and at first was able to trade his cigarette allowance for the drugs, but he foolishly fell behind and got into debt to the dealer.
“Mr Minto genuinely feared he would be disfigured if he did not settle the debt.
“He has since got himself moved to another prison where he has achieved enhanced status and is now a model prisoner.”
Recorder Aitken sentenced Perry to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and a two-year supervision order.
Minto was given 12 weeks in prison to begin at the end of his current sentence.
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