A MAN who admitted passing mobile phone equipment to an inmate at a top security prison is, himself, now facing a spell behind bars.

Samuel Shaun Wade admitted smuggling the items, two mobile phones and two SIM cards, into Frankland Prison, Durham, on a visit on January 5, when he passed them to an inmate serving a six-year sentence for conspiracy to supply heroin.

During a short hearing at Durham Crown Court, 25-year-old Wade also admitted failing to appear for a previous scheduled hearing in the case, at the court, on Thursday June 1.

A bench warrant was issued for his arrest and he appeared at court in custody, having been detained by police in recent days.

Amrit Jandoo, for Wade, of Runswick Avenue, Stockton, made no bail application, and told the court he was aware the sentencing guidelines for such offending indicate an immediate custodial sentence.

Remanding Wade back into custody, Recorder Ian Atherton told him he should expect to receive a term of imprisonment, when he appears for sentence, on July 27.