A pub manager has been jailed after being caught smuggling cannabis sweets into prison for her boyfriend in a case that has highlighted ongoing concerns over drugs and contraband being brought into UK jails.

Montana Robertson, 23, attempted to bring the illegal items into HMP Parc, a category B prison in Bridgend, South Wales, by concealing them in her mouth during a scheduled visit to see her imprisoned boyfriend.

The court heard that Robertson arrived at the prison and attempted to pass through security, but was stopped and searched by vigilant prison staff. During the search, officers discovered cannabis-infused sweets hidden in her mouth, along with three mobile phone SIM cards. The items were seized and Robertson was arrested at the prison.

Newport Crown Court was told that following her arrest, police carried out a search of Robertson’s home address. During the search, officers discovered further quantities of cannabis jellies and cannabis gelato, with a combined estimated street value of £70. The drugs were seized as part of the investigation.

Prosecutor Kathryn Lane told the court that Robertson had admitted her involvement and claimed she had acted as a result of “peer pressure.” However, Lane added that Robertson, who was 23 years old at the time of the offences, “ought to have known better,” particularly given the seriousness of attempting to smuggle drugs and prohibited items into a prison environment.

The court heard that in addition to the drugs, Robertson had also attempted to bring in three mobile phone SIM cards, which are classified as prohibited articles due to their potential use in facilitating criminal activity from inside prison.

Robertson pleaded guilty to two counts of bringing a prohibited article into prison and one count of possession of cannabis, accepting responsibility for her actions at an early stage.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Nigel Fryer described the situation as “an absolute tragedy” for the young woman. He told the court that Robertson had previously been in stable employment as a pub manager in Cardiff, but had since lost her job as a direct consequence of the offences and the subsequent criminal proceedings.

Fryer said the case had had a significant impact on Robertson’s personal and professional life, but acknowledged the seriousness of the offences and the risks posed by introducing drugs and communication devices into a custodial setting.

The judge said the offences were serious and undermined prison security, before sentencing Robertson to a period of custody. She was jailed for 50 days following the hearing.