Thomas McMahon, 64, has admitted smuggling painkillers into HMP Full Sutton for his son, Joseph Peers, who is serving a life sentence for murder. McMahon hid 14 tablets inside a crisp packet and attempted to pass them across the table during a prison visit before being caught by security staff.
How the smuggling was discovered
Staff became suspicious after seeing McMahon place an item into a crisp packet and swap it among identical packets on the table. CCTV footage showed the packet being moved several times before officers discovered the tablets inside.
Prosecutors told the court that drugs are often used as currency in prisons, making offences involving prohibited items particularly serious. However, they accepted that this was not part of a large-scale smuggling operation.
Motivation and remorse
McMahon said he brought the medication because his son was suffering from back and knee pain. The tablets had originally been prescribed to him for chronic pain. His defence lawyer said his actions were motivated by concern for his son.
The court heard that McMahon was remorseful and understood the seriousness of his actions. Recorder Taryn Turner said drugs fuel violence, intimidation and debt in prisons and described the incident as a significant lapse in judgement.
Sentence and background
McMahon received a six-month suspended prison sentence, 120 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation requirements. His son, Joseph Peers, is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 41 years for acting as the getaway driver in the murder of Ashley Dale in 2022.
