A “model prisoner” earned himself an extended sentence after attempting to smuggle two mobile phones into Castle Huntly.
Despite having recently been recommended for parole, Craig Stevens tried to get them past prison officers as he returned from a volunteering placement.
His efforts were in vain, however, as they immediately discovered he was carrying two mobile phone chargers during a routine search.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how the 25-year-old was transferred to another room for a more “thorough” search, during which the phones were found.
He was then placed in solitary confinement before being transferred to Perth Prison.
Solicitor Gary Foulis said the incident has had a “catastrophic” impact on his client’s life and came as a result of a small debt.
“He borrowed some money from someone to buy a present for his sister’s upcoming wedding,” he said.
“He had every intention of paying it back but, unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse and threats of physical violence were made towards him.
“He certainly wanted to pay the money back, but it was made quite clear to him that he would have to cooperate and bring items back into the prison.”
Stevens, described as a prisoner at Perth, admitted that on September 21, at Castle Huntly, he attempted to bring prohibited items into the prison, namely two mobile phones and mobile phone chargers.
Sheriff Michael Fletcher sentenced him to four months in jail, which will run consecutively to his current term.