Two women and one man have been jailed for attempting to conceal the origin of funds believed to be generated through drug dealing within the prison estate.
An investigation led by officers from the Prison Intelligence Unit within Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for southern Wales, identified that a prisoner within HMP Parc had recruited a former prison officer to launder money believed to be gained from the supply of controlled drugs.
David James Braddon, 38, was shown to have contacted Claire Ann Jones, 39, on multiple occasions using an illicit mobile phone hidden in his cell. Jones was a former prison officer at HMP Parc.
Jones opened a bank account in her name, which was then used to facilitate payments to and from accounts linked to other prisoners within the prison estate. Jones was dismissed from HMP Parc in July 2023 for failing probation.
Between 09/09/2023 and 28/03/2024, the dates the bank account was open, a total of £21,045 was paid into it.
Accounts belonging to Braddon’s mother, Karen Elizabeth Graham, 57, and Braddon’s partner, Gemma Louise Phillips, 41, were also used to process and move criminal funds.
The strength of the evidence led to all four defendants pleading guilty rather than standing trial.
Sentencing took place on Friday (July 31) at Cardiff Crown Court.
David James Braddon, currently in HMP Cardiff, has been sentenced to 3 years and 7 months in prison for being concerned in the acquisition, retention, use or possession of criminal property, and 9 months for possession of a mobile phone in prison, to be served concurrently.
Claire Ann Jones, from Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taff, has been sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison for possession of criminal property.
Gemma Louise Phillips, from Llanbradach, Caerphilly has been sentenced to 1 year and 10 months in prison for possession of criminal property.
Karen Elizabeth Graham, from Caerphilly, has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison for possession of criminal property, suspended for 2 years.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Pearce, of Tarian ROCU, said: “Tarian will continue to work with the prison service to proactively identify and investigate prisoners who continue to offend, as well as those who seek to enable them.”
A HMP Parc spokesperson said: “Today’s outcome shows the capability of joint operations involving the prison, HMPPS, and southern Wales police to bring criminals to justice.”
