Prisoner escaped after 'pressure'

A court has heard a prisoner walked out of an open jail in Lincolnshire after he was being pressed by other inmates to supply them with drugs.
John Vear from Revesby Avenue in Boston became the eighth inmate to escape from North Sea Camp Prison near Boston in the past month.

Vear had been serving eight months for dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

Lincoln Crown Court heard he left North Sea Camp on 19 August.

He had been addicted to heroin but had managed to kick his habit while in Lincoln Prison.

But his barrister told the court, when Vear was transferred to North Sea Camp he came under pressure from other inmates to bring drugs into the jail.

Vear said he could either give in to the pressure or leave, knowing he would receive a longer sentence.

The 25-year-old admitted escaping lawful custody and was given three months to run consecutively to the eight month sentence he was given in July.

Criminal gangs 'threatening UK'

Criminal gangs have infiltrated British society, practising a variety of illegal activities from paedophilia to drug dealing, a police report says.

Gangs ranging from traditional British "firms" to the Italian Mafia continue to pose a high threat and touch every community, according to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS).

The report warns drug trafficking "represents the greatest threat from serious and organised criminals".

It also says the number of websites showing illegal images of child abuse has increased, adding that online child sex offenders are becoming much more cunning in their attempts to avoid detection.

Mexico arrests 'drug baron'

Mexican troops have captured a suspected drug baron wanted in both Mexico and the United States, officials have announced.

Armando Valencia Cornelio, was captured on Friday along with seven of his gang, in the city of Guadalajara.

Mexican Attorney General Rafael Macedo de la Concha, told reporters the group was suspected of carrying out one-third of drug shipments from Mexico to the US.

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has described Mr Valencia as providing a key link between Colombian cocaine smugglers and the US border.

Mr Valencia was indicted on American federal drug trafficking charges four years ago.

The US wants to have him extradited, but Mr Macedo said he would face legal charges in Mexico first.

Drugs worth £20,000 found in woods

Police have launched an investigation after a £20,000 haul of illegal drugs was found in north Worcestershire.

The drugs, believed to be amphetamines, were discovered by a member of the public in Ribbersford Woods, near Bewdley, on Friday.

Police said they were pleased the drugs have been taken out of circulation.

The drugs are now being sent to a laboratory for testing.

Detective Inspector Sean Paley said the find was "quite significant", particularly for the Bewdley area.

Officers are conducting inquiries but so far no one has been arrested.

Bar staff taught drugs skills

Heroine, crack cocaine and cocaine abuse is on the increase so much in Derby that the city's bar and club staff are being trained to tackle the problem.

Staff at 12 nightspots in the city are being taught drug awareness.

The venues are working together with "Addaction", an outreach charity that works throughout Derbyshire educating people about the dangers of drugs.

Bar staff have welcomed the move which will train them to spot danger signals and what to do in an emergency.