Dealer who sold cocaine from jail cell sentenced

A prisoner who admitted dealing cocaine from his jail cell using a hidden mobile phone has been given more time behind bars.

Samuel Watts was already serving a three-year sentence at HMP Kirkham in Preston, Lancashire, for supplying cocaine and cannabis, and possession of a weapon.

The 34-year-old was arrested again in November 2024 after a search of his cell found he was continuing to supply drugs using an iPhone he kept strapped to his waist.

Watts, originally from Northwich in Cheshire, pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine at Burnley Crown Court and was sentenced to an extra four years and four months.

The court heard how CID officers in Northwich became suspicious of Watts in July 2024.

They later arranged for Watts to be searched in his cell, in which prison officers discovered the iPhone.

The phone was later analysed by officers, who recovered a catalogue of incriminating messages.

He was arrested on 21 November, just as he was leaving HMP Kirkham at the end of his previous sentence.

PC Dan Lee, of Cheshire Police, said: "Watts saw his initial prison sentence as an inconvenience rather than a punishment.

"After smuggling a mobile phone into the prison, he thought that he could simply continue to run his criminal enterprise from behind bars, directing people lower down the chain to deliver drugs on his behalf.

"However, he clearly underestimated the dedication and determination of the team here at Northwich Proactive CID.

"I welcome the latest sentence handed to Watts and hopefully this time he'll use his time behind bars to reflect upon his actions."

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