Crime
‘Eagle-eyed staff’ catch visitor handing drugs to Peterborough prison inmate
Prison officers spotted the exchange and promptly confiscated the wrap
A visitor who tried to hand drugs to an inmate at Peterborough prison has himself been jailed. Matthew Tolcher, 34, was caught trying to smuggle drugs to the prisoner while shaking his hand.
Tolcher tried to disguise the handover using a prolonged handshake and a hug.
However, prison officers spotted the exchange and promptly confiscated the wrap, which turned out to be crack cocaine and buprenorphine (used to treat pain and opioid addiction) tablets.
Tolcher, of Essendine, Stamford, pleaded guilty to conveying a List ‘A’ prohibited article into prison
Tolcher, of Essendine, Stamford, pleaded guilty to conveying a List ‘A’ prohibited article into prison in March 2022 and was sentenced to one year and 10 months in jail at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday (5 March).
Detective Constable Chris Enright said: “This was a great spot by eagle-eyed prison staff, and I hope it shows how seriously we take these offences.
“Far from bringing prohibited items into a prison, Tolcher now finds himself in prison for his actions.”
