Mum tells judge she’s sticking with criminal

PRISON SMUGGLER WILL WELCOME BACK BOYFRIEND ON JAIL RELEASE

- CARL JACKSON News Reporter

A MUM has told a court she cannot leave her criminal boyfriend despite nearly being jailed for trying to help him.

Hayley Cook posted parcels to prison containing mobile phones, chargers, tablets and sheets soaked in ‘Spice’ to her partner Carl Brookes. He has an extensive criminal record and was jailed in 2022 for firearms offences but is due to be released this month.

But Cook, who has two children with him, vowed to stay with him even though it increased the risk of her committing crime herself.

The decision prompted scathing criticism from Judge Sarah Buckingham who effectively told her to leave Brookes for the sake of herself and her children.

The 39-year-old, from Dearmont Road, Longbridge, admitted two counts of conveying a prohibited item into prison. But she was spared jail at Birmingham Crown Court, largely due to the impact her incarceration would have on her two children who have difficulties in education.

Instead, she was sentenced to 23 months suspended for two years. She was also ordered to carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activity, 125 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 costs.

Richard Simons, defending, said: “She is remorseful. Her continuing relationship with Mr Brookes does not detract from that remorse.