A MAN who was caught with a phone in prison claimed it was someone else's - despite it being full of his personal contacts, a court heard.

Wayne Jones, of Arden Drive in Speke, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to possession of ketamine - which happened while he was a prisoner at HMP Berwyn in December 2020.

He had previously denied having a phone with him on that occasion, but changed his plea to guilty.

Laura Knightly, prosecuting, told the court that on December 29 officers decided to search Jones' cell - which he occupied alone.

READ MORE: HMP Berwyn inmate caught with phones and sim cards

Asked at the outset if everything in the cell was his, he said yes - with him being found to have ketamine in his possession shortly afterwards.

Officers also found a Zanco mobile phone concealed in a Nesquik tub under a desk, the court heard.

At first, Jones denied all knowledge of it.

The Leader: Mold Court, top, and HMP BerwynMold Court, top, and HMP Berwyn

But it was found to be full of numbers from his approved call list; namely his mum, his sisters, partner and friends.

When interviewed again he claimed another prisoner was responsible for the device and as such had been the one to contact his relatives and partner as he'd been a family friend.

There didn't appear to be any evidence of other criminality on the phone.

James Preece, defending, told the court his client found himself in a "particularly unfortunate position" given the fact he'd since come out of custody and found himself a job with a food manufacturing firm.

READ MORE: Ex-HMP Berwyn inmate sentenced for having drugs and phone

"This is a case where he was using it to contact family members," he said.

"He was punished to an extent in the prison by the loss of his privileges."

Judge Niclas Parry said: "What on earth came over you to not plead guilty until today I have no idea.

"Why anyone would want to ring your mum, your girlfriend other than you beggars belief."

But the Judge conceded the offence had been committed during the covid-19 pandemic at a time when visits to prison were limited and there would have been a greater need for contact.

He ordered the destruction of the phone and ketamine and handed Jones an eight month jail term.

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