A WOMAN who was pressured into sending packages containing prohibited items to her then partner, in prison, was spared an immediate jail sentence today (Thursday November 27).

Julie Huntrod was cajoled by both boyfriend, at the time, and in phone calls from his cell-mate’s partner, to try to conceal drugs and a mobile phone Sim card in consignments sent to Durham Prison, in March.

Durham Crown Court heard that each time she succumbed, but when she was told the items had not reached the intended destination, she sent further packages.

Adrian Dent, prosecuting, said they were intercepted on their arrival among the prison’s incoming post, as staff became suspicious as to their contents.

They discovered a number of class C drugs, plus the phone card secreted among apparently innocent items in the packages.

When questioned, she said nothing, not wanting to appear to be a “grass” to her partner.

The court heard the crime has brought shame on her otherwise law-abiding family at a time they were trying to overcome the loss of her brother in a submarine tragedy.

Anthony Huntrod was one of two submariners killed in an undersea explosion on HMS Tireless, on which they were on exercise, in the Arctic Ocean, in March 2007.

The 20-year-old operator mechanic, from Sunderland, and a colleague from the West Midlands, died when an oxygen generator exploded.

Inquest proceedings two years later concluded “systematic failures” led to contamination and damage of the on-board generators, leading to the blast.

Several references were presented to today’s court hearing outlining the difficulty the family has had coming to terms with the grief, compounded now by the situation involving Julie Huntrod.

The 25-year-old call centre worker, of Bingley Street, Sunderland, admitted four counts of sending prohibited items into prison.

David Callan, mitigating, said Huntrod, of previous good character, only acted out of loyalty to her then partner, who she believed had been threatened inside the prison, as she feared he might suffer reprisals if she did not send the packages as she was instructed.

Mr Callan said at the time she began the relationship her family had warned her not to become involved with the man, fearing trouble.

“Had she listened to them and not become involved, this offence, indeed no offence at all, would have happened.”

Judge Robert Adams imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered her to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work.

She must also pay £200 costs and £80 statutory surcharge.

Judge Adams said he could take the exceptional course as he accepted she had been placed under pressure and is highly unlikely to reoffend.