AN Erlestoke inmate who took selfies and went on social media using a mobile phone which was being passed around between offenders has been had his jail sentence extended by four months.
Vincent Davenport, 29, was in charge of the phone when a spot check was carried out on his cell at Erlestoke Prison on April 23, 2017.
He admitted to possession of a prohibited item when he appeared at Salisbury magistrates’ court on Friday.
The court heard a Samsung Galaxy was found, with a number of calls, texts and a number of social media interactions on.
Prosecuting, Kate Prince said: “A number of photographs were also found. Selfies were found to be taken various parts of the prison.
“It was communal phone held by him (Davenport) but used by others in the prison.”
According to the governor of Erlestoke Prison phones inside the jail can be sold for between £5-£600.
Defending, Nick Redhead said: “He has significant experience of the prison system. This was a phone that was not brought into the prison by him or for his benefit.
“It was used by other prisoners and he was holding it when the music stopped.”
The court heard Davenport has been in prison constantly for the last six and half years and was due for release but this has been “stymied” due to the latest charge.
In sentencing, District Judge Simon Cooper said: “You haven’t been released by the parole board despite doing all of the courses.
“You were found with a phone in your cell.”
Davenport was sentenced to four months in prison, but District Judge Cooper said if he is released before the end of his sentence he would be under supervision.
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