Recalled prisoner smuggled drugs to aid withdrawal

A Manx prisoner has admitted trying to smuggle drugs into the Isle of Man Prison after being recalled for breaking the conditions of his licence. 

34-year-old Ross James Mcwhinnie was arrested on January 23rd after failing a number of urine tests - he was out on licence after serving part of an eight year sentence for drug offences.

On arrival at the Jurby lock-up Mcwhinnie became unwell - an ambulance was called and he was taken to Noble's Hospital. 

Once there he admitted to having packages concealed in his anal passage - they contained just under 40grams of cannabis resin, with a street value of £209, and four grams of cannabis bush. 

At Douglas Courthouse yesterday he admitted two charges of unlawful possession of the Class B substance and introducing articles to prison. 

His advocate told the court Mcwhinnie was a "drug addict" who had been trying to "ameliorate" the side effects of a forced withdrawal from cannabis, valium and subutex.

He said he'd taken in enough to see him through the resulting period in custody adding "this is a man using a great deal of drugs". 

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes committed Mcwhinnie to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing - he's been remanded until his next appearance there on February 24th.