A man convicted of murder managed to use a smuggled iPhone to video call and exchange messages with a prison officer and family members while serving a life sentence in a prison in the North East.
Mitchell Ingham, who received a life sentence in 2016 with a minimum term of 14 years for murder, was found to have used the unauthorized device while housed at HMP Deerbolt in County Durham. The 25-year-old began using the illegal iPhone to communicate with a female prison officer and various other individuals.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Ingham called the prison officer “babe” in one message, which was reciprocated with a “miss you” response from the officer.
Ellis Eyles, a 24-year-old prison officer from Darlington, is set to be sentenced next month for her involvement in the incidents. Ingham also inquired about another inmate whom he wished harm upon.
Ingham, who is now serving his sentence at HMP Lindholme in South Yorkshire, appeared in Durham Crown Court to face charges related to the possession and use of a mobile phone in prison. He pleaded guilty to both offenses.
The court was informed that in June 2023, a search in a prisoner’s cell at HMP Deerbolt led to the discovery of an iPhone and charger hidden behind a false panel in a cabinet. The phone was linked to Ingham through messages and photos found on it.
It was revealed in court that Ingham signed off one message as ‘Mitch’ and had searched for himself online, in addition to sending various messages to Eyles, who was later arrested at her home.
Prosecutor Antonia Adie stated that Ingham engaged in illicit communication with his co-accused, including making FaceTime calls. A 37-minute FaceTime call was made on June 10, 2023.
Ingham also received a message from Eyles expressing missing him with kisses. He referred to her as “babe” in one of his messages.
Adie disclosed that Ingham used the phone to contact family members, including his mother, and “other individuals.” On July 25, 2023, he asked Eyles about the location of another prisoner at Deerbolt, mentioning his intention to harm him, to which she responded that the inmate was in the segregation unit.
The court was informed of Ingham’s two prior convictions for four offenses. In 2016, at the age of 15, he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Dominic Doyle in the Manchester area.
Defense lawyer Jillian Newton mentioned that Ingham is not eligible for parole until 2028 and highlighted his early guilty plea as his strongest mitigation. She emphasized that Ingham regrets his actions and is determined not to repeat them.
Newton noted that Ingham has utilized his time in prison effectively by taking various courses. It was mentioned in court that other inmates may have accessed the mobile phone as well.
Judge Nathan Adams sentenced Ingham to a nine-month prison term, to be served consecutively with his life sentence.