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Full Breakdown

Man Sentenced for Throwing £12,000 Drug Parcel into HMP Hull

8/27/2026, 9:38:38 PM

Prison Incident and Court Outcome

On July 11 last year, a guard at HMP Hull observed a parcel tumble over the prison wall after being thrown by 30-year-old Joshua Smith, who was recorded as having no fixed address. Police analysis identified the parcel as containing an estimated £12,000 worth of illegal substances—including Class A drugs—and a mobile phone. Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of throwing a prohibited article into a prison and, on a Monday at Hull Crown Court, was sentenced to three years and eight months’ imprisonment.

Key Individuals

  • Joshua Smith – 30-year-old man with no fixed address, convicted of throwing a prohibited article into HMP Hull.
  • Det Con Heather Butler – Detective Constable with Humberside Police, who oversaw the analysis of the seized package.

Official Response and Sentencing Rationale

Hull Crown Court emphasized the seriousness of introducing contraband into a correctional facility, noting that the act jeopardized staff safety and prison security. The sentencing reflects the court’s intent to deter similar attempts to breach prison perimeters and to underscore the legal consequences of smuggling drugs into custodial settings.

Verbatim Quote

“The package was analysed leading to the discovery of an estimated £12,000 of drugs, including Class A drugs, and a mobile phone.” — Det Con Heather Butler

The case illustrates law-enforcement vigilance in monitoring prison perimeters and the swift judicial response to breaches that threaten institutional safety.