A prison officer has been put behind bars for five years after admitting smuggling into HMP Woodhill anabolic steroids and other drugs. Twenty-five-year-old Adam Seamark, of Ruskin Way, Daventry, Northamptonshire was arrested at the prison on Tattenhoe Street. He has been sentenced to five years at Reading Crown Court after pleading guilty to four charges of attempting to supply steroids and other controlled drugs.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of a class C drug - anabolic steroid - with intent to supply. The prosecution said he was caught with two packets of tablets strapped to his scrotum. Alistair Polson, defending, said his client was put under pressure by inmates who made threats of violence against his girlfriend after obtaining his personal details. Mr Polson said: "He was given money, but did not solicit it. "He was singled out and exploited by ruthless individuals."

Sentencing, Judge Christopher Tyrer said: "Yours was a gross betrayal and a huge breach of trust. "You put your own interests in front of your duties. "Public confidence in the prison service must be maintained, as must the health and welfare of those the courts have to send to prison."

Seamark received five years for attempting to supply Class A drugs and misconduct in a public office. He was also sentenced to four years, to be served concurrently, for possession of a Class C anabolic steroid with intent to supply.

Since Seamark's arrest the governor of Woodhill, Luke Serjeant, has declared war on drugs inside the jail saying: "I want to make it very clear to prisoners and to staff that drugs are not and will not be tolerated within this prison. "Any attempt to compromise me, or any member of my staff, will be firmly and decisively dealt with."