A MUM who was caught trying to smuggle drugs into a prison has been jailed.

Burnley Crown Court heard Kirsty Richardson had cannabis and two iPhones hidden in her jeans when she visited Preston Prison in 2017.

The 33-year-old, of Allendale Street, Colne, was caught out by a sniffer dog who had smelt something suspicious while she was in the waiting room.

Judge Andrew Woolman said: “It’s not a sophisticated enterprise but is still serious.”

The court heard Richardson was pressured into visiting the prison by drug dealers and said she forgot who she was supposed to be visiting.

Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, said: “The defendant went to Preston Prison and had no idea who she was visiting, which raised alarm bells.

“She went into the waiting area and was approached by a dog handler who works there and the dog immediately smelt something suspicious.”

The prosecutor said Richardson was taken aside and found to have two iPhones, drugs and some cards secured in the waistband on her jeans.

Richardson was arrested and pleaded guilty to four counts of taking illicit items into prison.

She had been remanded in custody for the last month.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Richardson suffers from epilepsy.

He also said she has a fractured jaw and could not access any painkillers while in prison.

Judge Woolman said: “There is a public policy element to discourage people to go into prison with banned products and I will not make an exception.”

Richardson will serve a 15-month prison sentence.