Hannah Angwaba, a 23-year-old prison officer at HMP Forest Bank in Agecroft, found herself caught in a manipulative scheme led by inmate Anton McPherson. Known for his charm, McPherson began a deceptive romantic relationship with Angwaba, leading her to smuggle contraband into the prison. Items such as drugs, phones, and SIM cards were discovered hidden in Angwaba’s hair, revealing her involvement.
During the investigation, Angwaba confessed to previous smuggling attempts, citing pressure from McPherson and his cellmate, Julius Marshall. The two inmates had orchestrated the plan, exploiting Angwaba’s naivety and affection for McPherson.
The court heard how McPherson had “love bombed” Angwaba, manipulating her emotions to gain her compliance. This technique, involving overwhelming displays of affection, left Angwaba vulnerable and ultimately led to her involvement in the illegal activities.
Angwaba’s defense highlighted her lack of previous criminal history and her otherwise good character. However, Judge John Potter emphasized the seriousness of her offenses, noting the significant breach of trust and the potential risks posed by the contraband. Consequently, Angwaba was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
McPherson and Marshall also faced justice for their roles in the scheme. McPherson received a five-year sentence, while Marshall was sentenced to seven years, reflecting their parts in orchestrating the smuggling operations and manipulating Angwaba.
The case highlights the dangers of emotional manipulation within the prison system and underscores the severe consequences for those involved in smuggling contraband. Angwaba’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for others in positions of trust, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and vigilance against such schemes.
