Woman caught smuggling £6,000 cannabis into Lowdham Grange prison

Leah Burke, a 30-year-old woman, was apprehended while attempting to smuggle cannabis into Lowdham Grange prison in Nottinghamshire. The drugs, hidden in her bra, had a street value of £250 but were estimated to be worth £6,600 inside the prison. Burke was already on bail for a similar offense when she was caught, indicating a pattern of illegal behavior. During her arrest, police also discovered a similar package in her car and additional drugs, including ketamine and cocaine, at her home in Liverpool. In court, Judge Nirmal Shant KC sentenced Burke to 15 months in prison, emphasizing that the amount of cannabis found was intended for distribution rather than personal use. The judge noted that Burke had been under threat from an individual, which her defense attorney claimed coerced her into committing the crime. Burke's guilty plea was seen as a sign of remorse, and she had been reflecting on her actions while on remand. The case highlights the significant markup of drug prices within prison systems, where the value of cannabis can increase dramatically. Burke's situation was further complicated by her previous legal troubles, which may have influenced her decision to engage in smuggling. The judge's comments suggested that Burke's actions were not only illegal but also dangerous, as they contributed to the ongoing issue of drug supply in prisons. Ultimately, Burke's sentence means she will not be released immediately, although she has already served a substantial portion of her time. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the criminal justice system and the severe consequences of drug-related offenses.