Gang Jailed for ‘Fly-to-Order’ Smuggling Operation at Gartree Prison

Four people including a former police officer have been sentenced for using drones to smuggle contraband into Gartree Prison.

Packages were effectively “flown to order” into the jail near Market Harborough and HMP Onley in Northamptonshire during 2021 and 2022.

Drones were used to deliver Class A and B drugs, synthetic drug spice, tobacco, mobile phones and other prohibited items directly into the prison grounds.

One package recovered by a prison officer patrolling Gartree in August 2021 contained heroin and cannabis with an estimated prison value of more than £37,000.

Peter King, Mervyn Foster and Kent George Pics: Northants Police

An investigation by Northamptonshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team uncovered the conspiracy and led to the arrest of four suspects.

Peter King, 53, from Cross Green, Staffordshire, pleaded guilty to offences including conspiring to bring prohibited items into prison and was jailed for six years and six months. Kent George, 63, from Milton Keynes, was sentenced to five years and six months, while Mervyn Foster, 46, from Coven, Staffordshire, received seven years and three months after being found guilty following a trial.

Former Staffordshire Police detective constable Clare Davenport, 52, of Cross Green, Staffordshire, admitted conspiring to possess criminal property and was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years, along with 150 hours of unpaid work.

Packages were effectively “flown to order” into the jail near Market Harborough

Lead investigator, Detective Sergeant Gareth Askew, said: “This was a sophisticated operation that sought to exploit technology to undermine the safety and stability of our prison system. These individuals showed a complete disregard for the law and the harm that drugs and other contraband cause within custodial environments.

“Through a detailed and determined investigation, we were able to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.

“Let this case send a clear message to anyone thinking of engaging in similar behaviour – we will identify you, we will investigate you, and you will face serious consequences. No matter how sophisticated you believe your methods are, you are not beyond our reach.”

A previous Staffordshire Police misconduct hearing concluded Davenport would have been dismissed from the force had she not already retired.

The Government says it is investing £40 million in prison security measures, including anti-drone technology, to help prevent similar incidents in future.