A PRISON worker has been jailed for five-and-a-half years for supplying drugs to an inmate.

Daniel Beldam was employed to give support and assistance to criminals detained at Maidstone Prison. But instead the 51-year-old handed over heroin and cannabis to addict Stuart Girt, who was serving a sentence for drug offences.

Girt, of Valebrook Close, Folkestone, was jailed for two years.

Beldam, of Shearing Farm, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, and Girt, 28, admitted two charges of conspiracy to supply drugs. Beldam also admitted two charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Judge Michael Lawson, QC, told Beldam: "Nobody can know better than you, with the life you have led and your position of authority and job you took on, how serious these offences are."

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Beldam, an operational support officer, was caught after a team of drug unit officers went to the jail on February 25 last year to search both staff and inmates.

Bedlam was found to have 13.1g of heroin worth just over £500 and of cannabis with a street value of £5. When arrested, Beldam claimed he had bought the drugs for his own use while on holiday in Germany.

Peter Forbes, prosecuting, said when mobile phones were analysed it was found that there had been calls and texts between Beldam and Girt’s sister Angie.

Angie Girt, 29, of Montgomery Way, Folkestone, and her mother Valerie, 45, were cleared of conspiracy charges.

Mr Forbes said it was disputed by Girt and Beldam who made the first contact. Beldam said there was one previous supply of cannabis, for which he received £75, and was paid £120 for heroin.