A MAN has been spared from returning to jail after was found to have used mobile phones in HMP Berwyn whilst a serving prisoner.

Jack McGuire, of Holbourne Crescent in Brynteg, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Friday for sentence.

The 27-year-old had been convicted at a previous hearing of possessing two mobile phones at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham.

Earlier this year, the Leader reported on the jailing of 26-year-old Berwyn guard Matthew Roberts after he was caught smuggling illicit items into the jail.

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He'd taken items to the cell of 28-year-old inmate Sean Roberts - and when that cell was searched in March 2020, all kinds of items were found including two phones, tobacco, cigarette papers, cannabis, two bottles of alcohol similar to vodka and more than 80 sheets of paper laced with spice.

Emmalyne Downing, prosecuting, told the court that McGuire had been Sean Roberts' cellmate at the time, and he'd used the two phones - one of which had been found charging on the windowsill when the search took place.

He'd admitted his guilt on the basis that he'd only used - and not owned - the devices, stating they had belonged solely to Sean Roberts.

Ms Downing said such illicit devices have a significant impact on the prison system; hindering rehabilitation and promoting a drug culture, as well as assisting in bringing drugs into the prison.

McGuire has 22 previous convictions for 38 offences, none of which were similar to the offences before the court on Friday.

Phillip Tully, defending, said: "Both offences arise out of the same course of conduct and there has been considerable delay [in bringing the case to court].

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The Leader:

"Since his release on licence in 2021, there has been no further offending.

"He's a family man with a good work record and is trying to put these matters behind him."

Judge Rhys Rowlands handed down a 12 week term of imprisonment, but suspended it for 12 months.

McGuire must pay a £300 fine and a £250 contribution towards prosecution costs, as well as a £128 victim surcharge.