Father of Murderer Caught Smuggling Painkillers in Crisp Packet
Thomas McMahon, 64, was caught attempting to smuggle prohibited items into prison during a visit to his son, Joseph Peers, at HMP Full Sutton. He tried to conceal 14 white, oval-shaped painkiller tablets inside a crisp packet.
The Smuggling Attempt
Prison staff and CCTV observed McMahon rotating identical crisp packets on a table before hiding something inside one. Guards later discovered the tablets, identified as prohibited painkillers that cannot be brought into the facility.
Motive and Background
McMahon claimed he brought the medication to help his son cope with back and knee injuries, saying the prescription was originally for his own chronic pain. The prosecution noted that such items are heavily abused in prison and act as high-value currency among inmates.
McMahon expressed deep remorse for his lapse in judgment. He has 23 previous convictions, including a drug-driving offence in 2023 linked to stress from his son's murder trial.
Sentence
For the smuggling offence, McMahon received a six-month prison sentence, suspended, and was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity.
Background on Joseph Peers
Joseph Peers is serving a life sentence for the August 2022 murder of environmental health officer Ashley Dale. He acted as the getaway driver in a plot where Ms Dale was shot with a sub-machine gun. Peers will be 70 before eligible for release.
