Three jailed over drone plot to smuggle drugs into HMP Manchester

The police investigation began after officers stopped a van in Salford less than a mile from the prison.

Aaron Pearcey, 31, of Westbury Street, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, was jailed for six years and two months for conspiring to bring, throw or convey a prohibited article into or out of a prison and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Kane Sloanes, 25, of Swaledale Crescent, Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, was jailed for 16 months for conspiring to bring, throw or convey a prohibited article into or out of a prison.

Emma Broome, 37, of Darlton Walk, Manchester, was jailed for 15 months for the same offence.

Manchester Crown Court heard on Thursday 17 September that the investigation began when police stopped an orange Volkswagen Caddy van in Salford on 6 April.

Pearcey and Sloanes were among the occupants and officers found a large drone in the back of the van.

The vehicle had travelled from the North East before being stopped less than a mile from HMP Manchester.

Police enquiries found that several drone drops had taken place at the prison that evening. One package was successfully delivered and another was intercepted by prison staff.

Evidence from Pearcey's mobile phone showed he was in direct contact with a serving prisoner and was involved in organising deliveries. Police said messages contained instructions about retrieving packages and discussed the timing and locations of drone flights.

Investigators found Sloanes had been present during the operation and claimed ownership of the drone when the vehicle was stopped.

Police said Broome was linked to an inmate at HMP Manchester and was in regular contact with the prisoner. Mobile phone evidence included discussions about drone equipment, packaging and arrangements for deliveries.

Detectives also found evidence suggesting her address was used as a meeting and preparation point before attempted drops.

Detective Constable Alcock said: “This was a coordinated operation involving individuals both inside and outside of prison, who were working together to bypass security measures and bring prohibited items into HMP Manchester.

“Our investigation uncovered clear evidence of the different roles each suspect played. Pearcey was heavily involved in communicating with prisoners and helping to coordinate the delivery of packages, Broome maintained contact with those involved and provided support to the operation, while Sloanes was linked to the drone equipment being used as part of their operation.”