This is the moment a drug dealer was arrested at the prison gates – just seconds after leaving jail.
Samuel Watts had just been released from HMP Kirkham after a three-year sentence for a drug dealing plot, but only tasted freedom for a matter of seconds.
As he left the prison gates, officers placed the criminal in handcuffs as he can be heard saying ‘you don’t know what I’ve gone through’.
After being placed under arrest in November, Watts has now been jailed for another four years and four months after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) while serving a prison sentence.
The 34-year-old, of Thornley Green, was originally locked up in September 2023 for dealing cocaine and cannabis, Burnley Crown Court was told.
In July last year, officers at Northwich Proactive CID discovered intelligence suggesting Watts was in possession of a mobile and was coordinating the sale of drugs from his prison cell.
Prison officers then searched Watts and found an Apple iPhone strapped to his waist.
Samuel Watts (pictured) had just been released from HMP Kirkham after a three-year sentence for a drug dealing plot, but only tasted freedom for a matter of seconds. As he left the prison gates in November last year, officers placed the criminal in handcuffs
The 34-year-old has now been jailed for another four years and four months after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) while serving a prison sentence
Watts was originally locked up in September 2023 for dealing cocaine and cannabis, Burnley Crown Court was told. In July last year, officers at Northwich Proactive CID discovered intelligence suggesting Watts was in possession of a mobile and was coordinating the sale of drugs from his prison cell
The phone was later analysed by officers who a catalogue of messages that proved he was selling illegal drugs.
Police Constable Dan Lee, Of Northwich Proactive CID, 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.
‘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.’
