This is the moment a drug dealer was arrested and sent back to jail - just seconds after being 'freed' from a 14-month sentence.
Samuel Watts, 34, was found using a mobile phone and coordinating the sale of cocaine from prison during a police search, all while already serving time for drug dealing.
Three months later, in November last year, police officers arrested him as he was on his way out from HMP Kirkham, in Lancashire.
The distraught convict, wearing a black puffer jacket and a beanie, swore at officers and said “do you have any idea what I’ve been through the last three months” as he was cuffed and taken away.
Watts was originally jailed for three years in September 2023 after admitting to being involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, as well as possession of a weapon.
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As he served his sentence, police discovered intelligence suggesting he was in possession of a phone and coordinating the sale of drugs from his cell.
In a search, officers discovered an Apple iPhone strapped to his waist, which contained messages proving he was involved in selling illegal drugs.
At Burnley Crown Court on Thursday, June 5, the dealer was sentenced to four years and four months in prison for his drug dealing.
Following the sentencing, Cheshire Constabulary’s PC Dan Lee said: “Watts saw his initial prison sentence as an inconvenience rather than a punishment.
“After smuggling a mobile phone into the prison, he thought that he could simply continue to run his criminal enterprise from behind bars, directing people lower down the chain to deliver drugs on his behalf.
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“However, he clearly underestimated the dedication and determination of the team here at Northwich Proactive CID.
“As soon as we became aware of his latest activities we brought them to a swift conclusion and were ready to arrest him as he was released from prison.
“I welcome the latest sentence handed to Watts and hopefully this time he’ll use his time behind bars to reflect upon his actions rather than trying to set up another business venture, otherwise we’ll be waiting for him again next time he’s released.”
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