January 28, 2015

Stafford prison officer acquitted of drugs charge

A Stafford based operation support grade (OSG) prison officer has been acquitted at Stafford Crown Court of taking a controlled drug into the prison.

The OSG had been subject to a random search as he began his night shift in June of 2014 when fellow officers found the substance.  The OSG was immediately arrested and taken to Watling House Police Station.

He was represented at that time by Lucy Taylor-Grime who assisted him during the course of the detention and interview. The OSG gave the police a detailed and innocent explanation.  Following the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to charge the OSG with conveying a prohibited list A item into the prison, he subsequently appeared before the Magistrates and then Crown Court.  At all times he was represented by a solicitor from Sheppards.

Following a two day trial in January, where he was represented by Mark Nicholls the jury unanimously acquitted the OSG of the charge.