Woman jailed for smuggling drugs into Addiewell prison

Feb 18 2010 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

A WOMAN who smuggled Valium tablets into Addiewell Prison has been jailed.

Ann-Marie Mulhearn (28), pled guilty to supplying the tablets – also known as diazepam – to an inmate at the prison.

Fiscal Depute Claire Martin told Livingston Sheriff Court that at around 7.30pm on September 29, officers were monitoring a visit between Mulhearn and a prisoner on CCTV.

Prison officers saw Mulhearn pull her chair closer to the prisoner, obscuring the view of the camera.

The camera was moved so the couple could be watched and officers saw her place a white package into the hand of the prisoner.

At this point the prison officer intervened and seized the package – discovering 30 blue tablets inside.

When interviewed by the police Mulhearn, of 112 Mieklearnock Road in Hamilton, was asked about the items passed to the prisoner and she admitted that they were Valium.

Tests were carried out and it was confirmed the tablets were diazepam, worth around £30.

Mulhearn’s solicitor said his client had herself suffered with drug problems in the past. He said: “Miss Mulhearn has in the past had a severe drug addiction.

“She has been addicted to heroin until recently, when in September of last year she took steps to address her heroin addiction.

“In relation to the offence, it is accepted by Miss Mulhearn that this is a serious one, given the nature of the charge and the location, which has aggravated the offence.

“She recognises that the court must consider whether custody should be imposed and it is recognised by her that this option will be foremost in the court’s mind.

“She was put under pressure to commit this offence and did so out of some sense of misplaced loyalty, however, that does not excuse her conduct in agreeing to do so.”

Jailing Mulhearn for four months, Sheriff Graeme Fleming said: “I’ve said on a number of occasions that this court is determined to stop the introduction of drugs into Addiewell prison. The consequences will be severe and the sentence will be used as a deterrent.”