(Image: Durham Constabulary)
A North East woman smuggled amphetamines and cannabis into jail for her lover to sell on to other inmates.
Durham Crown Court heard that police searched Molly Wells’s home in Easington Lane on June 2, 2023, after suspicion fell on her and Connor Kellett's activities.
Officers found 69g of amphetamines in a freezer and 46g of cannabis elsewhere in the house.
The drugs were worth an estimated £415 to £670.
Connor Kellett, already serving a lengthy prison sentence, given a further prison term of three years and nine months for supplying drugs in prison
Prosecutor Martin Towers said officers also recovered scales, dealer’s lists and other drug-supply equipment.
A seized phone showed that Wells was in regular contact with Kellett while he was in prison in Northamptonshire.
Kellett dealt drugs to other inmates in HMP Five Wells but payments were made outside prison.
The operation ran for five months from late 2022 into early 2023.
Wells also dealt drugs on the street, the court heard.
Her bank account contained £25,000 in unexplained credits, highlighting the operation’s profits.
Kellett, 29, who is now held at HMP Northumberland, admitted supplying amphetamines and cannabis.
Wells, 32, of Queen Elizabeth Drive, Easington Lane, admitted supplying cannabis, possessing amphetamines and cannabis with intent to supply, and possessing criminal property.
Kellett’s earliest release date was said to be September 2029 as he was recalled to serve the rest of a lengthy aggravated burglary sentence.
Judge Timothy Clayson said both defendants appeared to view the operation as profitable and capable of expanding.
He described it as “an established drug supply network, supplying prisoners.”
Kellett was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison but will remain behind bars until September 2029, at the earliest.
Wells, who the court heard has “moved on in her life” and now has childcare responsibilities, received a 30-month sentence suspended for 18 months.
She must also complete 40 rehabilitation activity days under Probation Service supervision.
Wells was warned that committing another offence within 18 months would trigger a 30-month starting point for her next sentence.