A WOMAN who took two sim cards into a prison visiting area ended up in tears in the dock.

Sheriff Mark McGuire addressed Michelle Goodlet and told her to calm down, and that she was not getting sent to jail.

The 43-year-old appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to taking the communication devices into Barlinnie on July 3, 2019.

The prosecutor said: “The accused was within the visiting area at 3pm. This area was being monitored by CCTV. The accused was observed removing an item from her trouser pocket and holding it within her hand.

“A prison officer asked to see what was in her hand. Two sim cards were observed. Police attended and the accused was cautioned and charged. She replied, ‘I wasn’t going to pass them’.

“She was informed a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal and allowed to go about her day. She’s not been allowed back in since.”

In a social work report, the sheriff pointed out that Goodlet denied intent. He asked her to confirm if she knew she had the sim cards in her pocket before she entered the prison.

Goodlet replied “yes” and could be seen crying.

Her lawyer said: “What favours her is the date of the offence and the progress she’s made since. This case was slow to find its way into court. She wasn’t taken to a police station, she was simply reported and eventually cited for the case which again delayed the process.

“There was an element of pressure placed on her by her partner who was in prison at the time. The relationship is now over. She’s in a much better position to deal with her life.”

Sheriff McGuire asked why Goodlet was not upfront with social workers.

The defence solicitor replied: “She is terrified of losing everything she’s built up over the last few years. She knows if she walks out of here today, she is very lucky. She was physically shaking outside.”

The sheriff stated: “I can see she is terrified in the dock,” before turning to Goodlet and saying: “Calm down, you’re not going to jail today. I could send you but I’m not going to.

“This is a very serious offence. It could be more serious than taking drugs into prison. This is something which could have very serious consequences. Communication devices are prohibited to stop serious organised crime groups from further committing crimes whilst in prison.

“You are no stranger to the court yourself, but this isn’t you. I don’t doubt that you were under pressure, but that’s an explanation, not an excuse.

“I’m satisfied I can deal with this by way of an alternative to custody which hopefully will serve two purposes, rehabilitation and punishment.”

Goodlet, of Wyndrod, was ordered to be under social work supervision for 18 months and carry out 126 hours of unpaid work.