Anton McPherson

In a case that exposed deep-seated corruption within the prison system, convicted paedophile Anton McPherson exploited his relationship with prison officer Hannah Angwaba to facilitate the smuggling of contraband into HMP Forest Bank. McPherson, whose prior conviction details child sex offences remain sealed under reporting restrictions, began a romantic involvement with the 30-year-old officer while serving his sentence. This illicit affair enabled Angwaba to bypass security measures creatively, hiding drugs, tobacco, and mobile phones in her braided hair during visits and shifts.

The scheme was uncovered through routine prison inspections and intelligence gathering, revealing how McPherson and Angwaba's relationship compromised the facility's integrity. Angwaba, who worked at the Category C men's prison in Salford, Greater Manchester, was arrested and charged with misconduct in public office and smuggling prohibited items. Her actions not only aided McPherson in maintaining illicit communications and access to substances but also potentially endangered other inmates and staff by introducing drugs into a controlled environment.

In June 2024, Angwaba appeared at Manchester Crown Court, where she was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. The judge highlighted the severity of her betrayal of public trust, noting that her position allowed her to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain through the romance. McPherson's involvement directly tied to his status as a convicted sex offender, making this a clear example of how such criminals can manipulate relationships to continue offending indirectly. Reports from the Daily Mail and court proceedings detail the braided hair smuggling method, with prosecutors stating it was a 'sophisticated' operation sustained over several months.

This incident forms part of a broader pattern of female prison officers engaging in relationships with high-risk inmates, as evidenced by Ministry of Justice statistics showing increased dismissals for such misconduct. McPherson's case underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing sex offenders from abusing positions of influence even behind bars, with no specific sentencing details for him in this context beyond his existing term.

Sources: Daily Mail article (25 June 2025), Manchester Crown Court records.