Man jailed for having a weapons in Shropshire prison

A man has been given a 15-month sentence after he was found in possession of two weapons whilst serving a prison sentence at HMP Stoke Heath.

Benjamin Lawless, of HMP Stoke Heath, was given a further 15-month custodial sentence at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 24 July).

The court heard how prison staff discovered a handmade weapon, described as a sharp piece of metal, on January 21, 2024 in the 31-year-old’s cell.

Then five days later on January 26, 2024 another handmade weapon, this time described as a sharpened bolt, was also found in his cell.

Lawless was then charged with two counts of unauthorised possession in prison of an offensive weapon.

DC Joanne Heyes, Prison Crime Investigator, said: “West Mercia Police and HMP Stoke Heath are committed to partnership working. Anyone who continues their offending behaviour behind bars will be brought to justice, as the security of the prison estate is paramount.”

The sentence handed to Lawless yesterday will now run consecutively with his 32-month sentence, which he is serving for attempted robbery, battery and possession of an offensive weapon.

RJ, Corporate Communications