One Day From Freedom: Prisoner Gets Another 3 Years

A prisoner just one day from release is starting a three-year sentence after an improvised weapon made from a nail and pen was found in his cell.

Steven Bangs, 38, had almost served an eight-month jail term at HMP Thameside when caught by a joint operation involving the Metropolitan Police and the prison service.

Woolwich Crown Court heard he had improvised the weapon by inserting a nail in the casing of a pen.

It was found in his possession in December, last year and he was immediately arrested and later charged.

At the time, he was at the very end of a sentence for possession of an offensive weapon.

Detective Constable Alex Furniss, from the Met’s Prison Intelligence Unit, said: “Bangs had just one day left in prison when he was found with a dangerous weapon in his cell.

“He must now face the consequences of his actions and spend further time behind bars.

“We are committed to targeting those who carry weapons and are working closely with the prison service to remove these dangerous items from jails.”

Trish Mitchell, Serco Prison Director at HMP Thameside, said: “We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to prevent criminal activity in the prison and we are pleased at the result of this case.

“We have a zero tolerance approach to weapons of any kind in the prison and we will always take appropriate action when we find any.”