A female prison officer has been sentenced to four years in jail for smuggling drugs in the braids of her hair for a convicted rapist she fell in love with.
Hannah Angwaba broke down in tears as she received her sentence after attempting to smuggle cocaine, cannabis, miniature mobile phones, and tobacco hidden in her hair braids while arriving for a shift at HMP Forest Bank in Salford.
The 30-year-old Hannah Angwaba was “exploited” by Anton McPherson, 34, who “love-bombed” her to win her affection after she began working at the prison, according to Mail Online.
Angwaba was flagged in intelligence reports for her over-familiarity with two inmates, leading to a cell search in January 2020. Officers found a small mobile phone, a USB charger, several SIM cards wrapped in cling film, and a piece of paper with Angwaba’s bank details.
A professional standards meeting was scheduled for January 22, 2020. Angwaba was confronted by the senior anti-corruption officer as she arrived for her shift. During the meeting, she admitted having a package of contraband in her hair, which contained two small mobile phones, a charging cable, two SIM cards, two USB memory sticks, cocaine, cannabis, tobacco, and cigarette papers.
Drugs have a value around ten times higher in prison than on the street. Prosecutor Edward Steele stated that the cocaine had a purity of 79% and an estimated prison value between £22,208 and £27,760, while the cannabis had an estimated prison value of £7,700.
Angwaba admitted to bringing in three previous packages, being paid nothing for the first two but £300 for the third. She was due to be paid £500 for the seized package. Steele noted text messages indicating Angwaba’s initial reluctance and McPherson’s manipulation to use her for smuggling contraband.
After discovering McPherson’s relationship with a woman outside prison, inmate Julius Marshall persuaded Angwaba to continue the smuggling plan. Angwaba and Marshall pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to supply drugs but were found guilty after a trial.
Angwaba admitted misconduct in public office and smuggling contraband. Marshall admitted unauthorized possession of a mobile phone. McPherson, now at HMP Parkhurst, admitted conspiracy to supply drugs and unauthorized possession of a mobile phone.
Andrew Scott, defending Angwaba, highlighted her traumatic upbringing and mental health issues, including EUPD, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. He described her as otherwise intelligent and industrious. McPherson’s lawyer noted his client’s limited family visits due to his relocation. Marshall’s lawyer emphasized the need to distinguish between Marshall’s and McPherson’s roles.
Judge Jonathan Seely sentenced Angwaba to four and a half years, emphasizing the significant breach of trust by a prison officer. McPherson received a five-year term, consecutive to his current sentence, and Marshall was handed a seven-year sentence.
