Thursday, 10 April 2008

Adam Seamark HMP Woodhill officer was sentenced to five years behind bars at Reading Crown Court

Adam Seamark was sentenced to five years behind bars at Reading Crown Court
In December police received a tip-off and caught Seamark with two packets of steroids strapped to his genitals.He later admitted smuggling drugs, including heroin and cocaine, into the prison on five separate occasions.
Luke Serjeant, Governor at HMP Woodhill, said: "I'm saddened that an ex member of my staff is now facing a long period of imprisonment."I'm pleased however that the seriousness of his offence has been reflected in the sentence given by the court.
"Adam Seamark betrayed the trust and responsibility placed in him as a Prison Officer and in doing so he let his colleagues and the Prison Service down - and worse, he placed all of us at risk."He was bringing drugs into the Prison, but once a staff member is corrupted they can be put under pressure to bring any item into the prison including firearms or explosives." Seamark, of Daventry, Northamptonshire, was arrested at the prison on Tattenhoe Street on Thursday December 13.He was in possession of 336 tablets containing Class C steroids with a street value of £168, but a value in prison of over £500.He told police he had been approached by two prisoners and had been smuggling drugs in since August, receiving up to £1,000 from someone on the outside.Seamark, who had been a prison officer for four-and-a-half years, pleaded guilty to four charges of attempting to supply controlled drugs and also to possession of an anabolic steroid with intent to supply and misconduct in a public office.Alistair Polson, defending, said his client was put under pressure by inmates who made threats of violence against his girlfriend after obtaining personal details about his family.
Mr Polson said: "Although he was given money he didn't want it, nor could he refuse it.
"He was singled out and exploited by ruthless individuals." But Judge Christopher Tyrer showed little sympathy when sentencing Seamark.He said: "This is a grave series of offences."You must have seen daily the terrible effects of drug misuse upon inmates."Yours was a gross betrayal and a huge breach of trust."You put your own interests in front of your duties."Public confidence in the prison service must be maintained, as must the health and welfare of those the courts have to send to prison." Seamark received five years for attempting to supply Class A drugs and miconduct in a public office.He was sentenced to four years, to be served concurrently, for possession of a Class C anabolic steroid with intent to supply.
Seamark blew a kiss to his girlfriend, seated in the public gallery, as he was taken away to serve his sentence.

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