A convicted drug dealer has had his sentence extended after trying to smuggle drugs into prison.

Joe Blankson, 32, was serving at HMP Maidstone for dealing cocaine when officers spotted a visitors drop a packet full of white powder in May last year. Blankson placed his foot over the packet and put it in his shoe but prison officers searched him after the visit and discovered 3.8g of cocaine.

Blankson was charged with causing a person to bring a prohibited article into a prison.

Despite denying the offence, he was found guilty and sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on April 11, when he was jailed for four years.

The judge told Blankson: “You know better than anyone, I suspect, the menace Class A drugs are in prison. You were there for dealing in Class A drugs.

“You put yourself in a position where you could supply drugs to others in order to keep your own habit going."

The sentencing range was up to seven years, said the judge, but an important mitigating factor was he had completely changed his attitude to life.

After being moved to HMP Elmley on Sheppey he was described as a model prisoner with a positive outlook.

Judge Huseyin added: “Very importantly, it is believed you are progressing through the system very well. These are very important bits of mitigation for you.

“My hope is you will be able to cope on licence and not go back to prison, and we will not see you again.”

Det Sgt Dan Barker said: "Kent Police takes the supply of drugs into prison extremely seriously. When they get into the hands of prisoners they fuel violence, medical emergencies and also lead to further crimes being committed, both inside and outside the prison estate."