Female Prison Officer Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Smuggling Drugs in Hair Braids for Convicted Rapist Lover

Hannah Angwaba, a female prison officer, has been sentenced to four years in prison for smuggling drugs hidden in the braids of her hair for a convicted rapist she fell in love with. The 30-year-old was caught attempting to smuggle cocaine, cannabis, miniature mobile phones, and tobacco into HMP Forest Bank, Salford.

Angwaba broke down in tears as the sentence was handed down. She had been manipulated by inmate Anton McPherson, 34, who “love bombed” her to gain her affection and cooperation. Intelligence reports had flagged her over-familiarity with McPherson and another inmate, leading to a search of their cell in January 2020. This search uncovered contraband, including a small mobile phone, SIM cards, and Angwaba’s bank details.

On January 22, 2020, Angwaba admitted to carrying a package of contraband in her hair during a professional standards meeting. The package contained two small mobile phones, USB memory sticks, cocaine, cannabis, and tobacco. The cocaine had a purity of 79%, with a prison value estimated between £22,208 and £27,760, while the cannabis was valued at £7,700.

Angwaba confessed to smuggling three previous packages, receiving payment only for the last one. Text messages revealed McPherson’s manipulation, using her to bring contraband into the prison. Angwaba discovered McPherson was in a relationship with another woman, which further complicated her situation.

McPherson and another inmate, Julius Marshall, were identified as the masterminds behind the operation. Angwaba and Marshall were found guilty of conspiracy to supply drugs after a trial. McPherson pleaded guilty to similar charges and unauthorized possession of a mobile phone.

The judge acknowledged Angwaba’s vulnerabilities and exploitation by McPherson and Marshall but emphasized the serious breach of trust involved. Angwaba was sentenced to four-and-a-half years, McPherson received a five-year term, and Marshall was handed a seven-year sentence.

Angwaba’s defense highlighted her traumatic upbringing and mental health issues, including PTSD and depression. Despite her personal challenges, the judge stressed the necessity of deterrent sentences to maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system.