A prison governor’s involvement with a notorious crime boss known for running a drug lab from a Welsh cottage has surfaced in a recent court case. Kerri Pegg, described as a “rising star” within the Prison Service, found herself entangled in a scandal involving Anthony Saunderson, a key player in organised crime. Saunderson, who supervised a multimillion-pound drug operation across the UK, provided Pegg with a lavish £12,000 Mercedes C class vehicle in exchange for 34 kilos of amphetamines. The court heard that Pegg authorised temporary release for Saunderson while overseeing HMP Kirkham.
Pegg, who exhibited rapid career progression within the Prison Service, faced allegations of misconduct in a public office and possession of criminal property. In her defence, Pegg attributed her relationship with Saunderson to his involvement in a programme aimed at tackling alcohol and drug dependency among inmates. However, concerns were raised within Saunderson’s gang about his excessive time spent with Pegg, jeopardising both his personal and criminal obligations.
After a lengthy trial at Preston Crown Court, Pegg was found guilty on multiple charges related to her association with Saunderson. Judge Graham Knowles indicated that a custodial sentence was unavoidable, prompting Pegg to await her sentencing date in custody. The court learned that Pegg’s professional journey led her to HMP Kirkham, coinciding with Saunderson’s release from a decade-long drug-related sentence.
Saunderson, a former fugitive involved in a high-profile drug trafficking case, operated a drug lab from a Welsh cottage and a storage unit in Merseyside. His activities came to light after law enforcement agencies dismantled the Encrochat communication network used by serious criminals. Investigations at Pegg’s residence uncovered items linked to Saunderson, indicating a closer relationship than previously disclosed.
Throughout her trial, Pegg maintained her innocence, claiming naivety and exploitation by Saunderson. Despite her tearful admissions of poor judgement, the prosecution highlighted the breach of trust exhibited by Pegg’s actions. Following the trial, the Crown Prosecution Service expressed dismay over Pegg’s misconduct and emphasized the damaging impact on public confidence in the Prison Service.
The Brick, a charitable organisation where Pegg held a role post-departure from the Prison Service, affirmed their awareness of the situation and expressed shock at the verdict. Despite considerations of dismissal or suspension, the board opted to impose stringent restrictions on Pegg pending the trial’s outcome. Judge Knowles denied Pegg’s bail application post-trial, remanding her into custody for sentencing.
The case involving Pegg and Saunderson serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the repercussions of inappropriate relationships within the criminal justice system. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of Pegg’s misconduct reverberate through the Prison Service and the broader community. With sentencing looming, the aftermath of this scandal underscores the necessity for upholding integrity and accountability in public service roles.