AN INMATE caught with a Samsung smartphone in prison must now serve a further six months on top of his current sentence.

Weymouth Magistrates Court heard how Ahsan Mahmmud, aged 35, hid a Samsung smartphone, charger and mobile wifi router in his cell's en-suite in HMP Guys Marsh for two days between May 25 to May 27 this year.

The court heard how Mahmmud was caught with the device during a cell search where officers found it concealed next to his shower. The defendant claimed he only had the device in his possession after being threatened to do so by fellow inmates.

Mahmmud admitted the charge of possession of a device capable of transmitting or receiving images, sounds or information by electronic communications without authority.

Prosecutor Andrew Newman said: "A search was carried out by officers in the prison's rainbow block.

"The mobile phone and router were found in his cell's en-suite. It was discovered between the shower and a skirting board.

"On inspection of the phone, three contacts were found to have been contacted that matched numbers from a previous offence.

"He has been in prison for almost 14 years and does not yet have a release date. He is effectively serving a life sentence."

Mitigating, Shahida Begum said: "He has been in prison since March 1 2008 and he is eligible for parole in 2025.

"He has served a long sentence in prison and there has been no issues with him during that time. This is his first and only offence during that time.

"He tells me he had the phone and router in his possession for only two days during lockdown. He said he was under threat from other inmates to keep hold of the phone.

"Upon release, he said he wants to live a better life."

Chair of the bench, Martyn McCarthy said: "You were aware of the consequences of your actions.

"Having a phone device within a prison can cause considerable issues for staff."

Mahmmud was ordered to serve a further six months in prison to be served consecutively to his current sentence.

He was ordered to pay court costs of £85 and surcharge of £128 to be paid 14 days on release from prison.