A female prison officer has been handed a four-year prison sentence for smuggling drugs and other contraband into HMP Forest Bank in Salford for a convicted rapist with whom she had fallen in love.
Hannah Angwaba, 30, wept as she received her sentence. She attempted to bring cocaine, cannabis, miniature mobile phones, and tobacco hidden in her braids. Angwaba was manipulated by 34-year-old Anton McPherson, who emotionally coerced her into smuggling the contraband.
Authorities grew suspicious of Angwaba’s behavior with two inmates, leading to a search of McPherson’s cell in January 2020. They discovered a small mobile phone, a USB charger, SIM cards, and a paper containing Angwaba’s bank details.
On January 22, 2020, Angwaba was intercepted by the senior anti-corruption officer as she arrived for her shift. She admitted to having contraband in her hair, which included two small mobile phones, a charging cable, two SIM cards, two USB sticks, and cling-film wraps containing cocaine, cannabis, tobacco, and cigarette papers.
Prosecutor Edward Steele highlighted the significant markup of drugs in prison, noting the contraband's value. The seized items included 27.76 grams of cocaine with a purity of 79 percent, valued between £22,208 and £27,760 in prison, and 77 grams of cannabis, valued at £7,700.
Angwaba confessed to smuggling three previous packages, receiving £300 for the third and anticipating £500 for the latest. Text messages revealed McPherson’s manipulation, from feigning a relationship to using her to smuggle contraband. Despite learning McPherson had an external relationship, Angwaba proceeded with the January 22 smuggling attempt at the behest of his cellmate, Julius Marshall.
Both Angwaba and Marshall were found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs. Angwaba also admitted misconduct in public office and bringing unauthorized items into the prison. McPherson and Marshall were found guilty, with McPherson admitting to the conspiracy charges and unauthorized possession of a mobile phone.
Andrew Scott, defending Angwaba, cited her traumatic upbringing and diagnoses of emotionally unstable personality disorder, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, describing her as an intelligent and ambitious young woman.
Judge Jonathan Seely underscored the severity of Angwaba’s actions, emphasizing the breach of trust and the need for deterrent sentences. He acknowledged her exploitation by McPherson and Marshall but stressed her continued involvement.
McPherson received a five-year sentence, consecutive to his current term, while Marshall received a seven-year sentence due to a prior drug-related conviction. Angwaba, from Newton Heath, was sentenced to four and a half years.
