A carer caught with drugs while working at Shotts Prison has been shown mercy by a sheriff. Ashley Malloy, 33, admitted possession of cocaine and heroin. She was placed under supervision for 12 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court and must do 120 hours of unpaid community work. Malloy, of St Catherine’s Crescent, Shotts, and John Mack were accused of being concerned in the supply of drugs at the high-security jail between May 2021 and March last year.
But Mack, 37, a serving prisoner at the time, had his not guilty pleas accepted. Malloy pleaded guilty to reduced charges involving possession of cocaine and heroin. Mack, of Nitshill, Glasgow, admitted having an illegal SIM card while behind bars. He has completed the four-year sentence he was serving at the time the drugs and SIM card were found in March last year, which was for drugs and serious organized crime offenses. Sheriff John Hamilton sent him back to prison for four months for the latest offense.
The amount of drugs Malloy had in the prison was described by the sheriff as “substantial,” with the cocaine alone weighing 42.5g and valued at about £1,200. Despite this, he acknowledged her guilty plea for simple possession, her minimal record, and vulnerable state, leading to the decision of no custodial sentence in her case.
Malloy was shown leniency by the sheriff due to her circumstances. Her sentencing includes supervision, community work, and the absence of a custodial sentence. Meanwhile, Mack faced a four-month prison term for his involvement with an illegal SIM card while serving his previous sentence. All in all, the court proceedings have provided a glimpse into the enforcement of justice within the prison system, reflecting the complexities of managing individuals involved in criminal activities while in custody. Such cases highlight the challenges of maintaining order and discipline within correctional facilities, shedding light on the ongoing efforts to address illicit activities and ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff.