A FORMER HMP Berwyn inmate has been spared further time behind bars after he was caught with illegal items in the prison.

John Barr, of Southwood Road in Liverpool, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Monday having recently been released from a custodial sentence.

During a previous hearing the 28-year-old had admitted possessing spice, cannabis and a mobile phone at HMP Berwyn in February last year.

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The Leader: HMP BerwynHMP Berwyn

Paulinus Barnes, prosecuting, told the court that on the day of the offences officers searched his cell at the jail.

The found an iPhone and charger on his side of the two-person room, as well as wraps of cannabis resin.

Paper containing spice was also located under his bed, the court heard.
The estimated price of the spice was between £125 and £250 within a prison environment.

Mr Barnes said while the cannabis found would have been worth around £130 on the street, in the jail its value soared to around £650.

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The Leader: HMP BerwynHMP Berwyn

When he was interviewed he admitted ownership of the cannabis, saying it was for his own use, but initially denied knowledge of the other items.

Kate Morley, defending, said it was conceded that offences such as her clients undermine the prison regime and would ordinarily attract an immediate sentence.

But Judge Niclas Parry told her he had seen a progress report about the defendant which demonstrated "excellent progress" on his part.

He decided to give Barr a chance, handing down an eight month sentence but suspending it for a year.

Barr must undertake 180 hours of unpaid work.

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