In an unexpected twist at the prison gates, Samuel Watts, 34, of Thornley Green, Northwich, was re-arrested just moments into tasting freedom. In September 2023, Watts pleaded guilty to drug charges involving the supply of cocaine and cannabis and possession of a weapon.
Watts had been serving a three-year stretch, but upon his supposed liberation from HMP Kirkham near Preston, he was instead met by waiting police officers.
Police discovered in July last year that Watts was orchestrating the distribution of illegal substances from inside his cell after finding him with a mobile phone. A subsequent search by prison staff revealed an Apple iPhone ingeniously strapped to his waist.
Upon further analysis, police retrieved a string of messages from the phone, which incriminated Watts in ongoing drug trafficking activities. He faced arrest on Thursday, 21 November, as he left HMP Kirkham, ironically becoming a captive once more immediately after release for prior crimes.
Cheshire Constabulary has since publicised video footage capturing the moment Watts, clad in a beanie hat and coat, is restrained by handcuffs. The recording shows Watts reacting to an officer’s enquiry about his state with a terse “nah” and a volley of expletives, reports the Liverpool Echo.
He then laments: “You don’t understand what I’ve gone through the last three months.”
Watts faced the consequences of his actions and admitted to being involved in the cocaine trade. He stood before Burnley Crown Court on Thursday, June 5, where he received a sentence of four years and four months behind bars.
Post-sentencing, Police Constable Dan Lee from Northwich Proactive CID commented: “Watts saw his initial prison sentence as an inconvenience rather than a punishment. After smuggling a mobile phone into the prison, he thought that he could simply continue to run his criminal enterprise from behind bars, directing people lower down the chain to deliver drugs on his behalf.
“However, he clearly underestimated the dedication and determination of the team here at Northwich Proactive CID. As soon as we became aware of his latest activities we brought them to a swift conclusion and were ready to arrest him as he was released from prison.
“I welcome the latest sentence handed to Watts and hopefully this time he’ll use his time behind bars to reflect upon his actions rather than trying to set up another business venture, otherwise we’ll be waiting for him again next time he’s released.”