A prison officer smuggled cannabis, vapes and mobile phones into jail for a convict serving time for attempted murder.

James Gregson, now 21, of Grasmere Avenue, Leyland, began working at HMP Preston as a prison officer when he was 18.

Preston Crown Court heard how in 2022, Gregson received a package of goods at his door.

Prosecutor Nick Roxborough told the court Gregson realised the package was dropped off on behalf of HMP Preston inmate, Paul Matheson.

On the night of July 11, 2021, Matheson shot his victim through a front door with a 9mm handgun, with the attackers claiming they were the police.

The victim, 32-year-old Jamie Robinson, suffered severe internal injuries and lost up to two litres of blood, and only survived thanks to emergency surgery.

The shooting was carried out as a revenge attack planned by Matheson, who had 'come off second best' during a pub fight with Robinson earlier in the evening.

On October 21, 2022, Matheson, previously of Houldsworth Road in Fulwood, was sentenced to 20 years in custody for the attempted murder, with a further five-year extended licence after being deemed to be a dangerous offender.

Yesterday (Thursday, May 2) Preston Crown Court heard how Matheson had asked his brother, Stuart Matheson, to drop a box of goods off at Gregson's door.

In fear that Matheson now knew his address, Gregson smuggled 193 grams of cannabis resin, two iPhones with sim cards, four other phones with cables and two sim cards, USBs, and four vape pens into HMP Preston on behalf of the prisoner.

On November 8, 2022, another prison officer searched Gregson, finding some of the contraband when he was due to go on shift, to which the defendant replied: "I am so sorry".

The court also heard police found cash worth £3,700 in Gregson's bedroom, believed to be payment from Paul Matheson for the goods.

In mitigation for Gregson, Alex Beevers told the court the defendant was naïve and had confidence issues with the prisoners, in particular refusing to smuggle items for Matheson.

Mr Beevers said: "He is a man of previous good character and provides a number of character references.

"He started the job during the COVID-19 pandemic and was proud to start a career that he thought would be life-long.

"The prisoners took advantage of a young guard who was perceived to be threatened by them."

Gregson and both Matheson brothers pleaded guilty to conspiring to bring listed A and B prohibited articles into prison.

Gregson also pleaded guilty to concealing criminal property.

Judge Andrew Jefferies KC sentenced Gregson to 28 months in custody, Paul Matheson to 20 months in custody (to be served consecutively to his outstanding sentence), and Stuart Matheson to nine months in custody, suspended for 12 months.

He also ordered Stuart Matheson to six months of mental health treatment sessions, with 10 days rehabilitation activity requirements.

Judge Jefferies said: "I do not need to go into who asked who to do what.

"But it is clear no one was subjected to threats, instead, the motive for this case was money.

"Mr Gregson, on three separate occasions you smuggled prohibited items into the prison in a position where you should be trusted. 

"Paul Matheson, you accepted that you involved your brother because he was vulnerable and had loyalties to you.

"Stuart Matheson, I accept that you did not get involved for financial gain, but to uphold the loyalties albeit stupidly, to your brother."