repeatedly contacted her using the burner phone he used to call escorts, as part of an ongoing relationship.
Kerri Pegg, 42, the former governor at HMP Kirkham, has denied allegations of misconduct in connection with a relationship with Anthony Saunderson, a convicted Merseyside drug boss. Prosecutors allege that Pegg was influenced by Saunderson, a key figure in the trafficking of crystal meth and cocaine, to provide him with special treatment, including signing off on his temporary release from prison in 2018 without proper approval.
Pegg is facing two charges of misconduct in a public office. The prosecution claims she became “emotionally involved” with Saunderson, which led her to sign the release forms despite lacking the authority to do so.
Pegg admitted to signing the release form for Saunderson but denied that it was due to any special relationship. She explained that her “hands-on” management style involved frequent communication with inmates, including Saunderson.
She is also accused of benefiting from crime by accepting a £12,000 Mercedes which Saunderson had bought with 34kg of methamphetamine.
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Allegations Of Corruption And Inappropriate Relationship With An Inmate
Prosecutors allege that Pegg allowed her personal involvement with Anthony Saunderson to compromise her professional responsibilities. The drug boss, who had been serving time for crystal meth trafficking, allegedly received favorable treatment, including an improperly authorized temporary release.
In court, Pegg rejected accusations of giving Saunderson special treatment. She maintained that her management style, which involved regular communication with inmates, had been misinterpreted.
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Rapid Rise To Senior Prison Governor Despite Debt Issues
Kerri Pegg joined the Prison Service as a graduate entrant and became a governor at
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HMP Kirkham
within six years. Known as a
“rising star”
in the service, she was previously a
probation officer
for eight years. Pegg’s tenure at HMP Kirkham was marked by her
open-door policy
and
hands-on approach
.
HMP Kirkham, a Category D open prison, had a reputation for drug use, with inmates frequently complaining of boredom and frustration. Reports from inspectors noted high levels of cannabis use, with 25% of prisoners testing positive – the highest rate among open jails in England and Wales.
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Alleged Breach Of Protocol: Signing Release Forms Without Approval
During her time at HMP Kirkham, Pegg allegedly signed off on a Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) for Saunderson without proper authority. According to the prosecution, only the acting duty governor should have authorized the release.
Pegg acknowledged signing the ROTL form but claimed it was a routine decision made when paperwork was delayed. She denied any impropriety or favoritism.
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Claims Of Secret Communication Via Burner Phones
Investigators discovered that Saunderson used a burner phone almost exclusively to contact Pegg. The same phone was also used to contact prostitutes and escorts, according to evidence presented by the prosecution. Law enforcement officials highlighted that the high frequency of calls and texts between Saunderson and Pegg suggested an ongoing personal relationship.
Encrypted phone messages found on Saunderson’s EncroChat device appeared to confirm continued contact after his release from prison. The prosecution argued that this communication patternindicated a close and secretive relationship.
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Key Evidence: DNA On Personal Items Found At Pegg’s Home
Detectives found Anthony Saunderson’s DNA on size 10 Hugo Boss flip-flops and a toothbrush at Pegg’s home in Wigan. The items, discovered after Saunderson’s release, were presented as evidence of their ongoing relationship.
The court also heard that Saunderson had been using the pseudonym “Jesse Pinkman” on encrypted devices, referencing a character from the TV show Breaking Bad. He was later convicted of drug trafficking and returned to prison.
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Accusation Of Living Beyond Means: Gifted A Mercedes
Pegg is also accused of possessing criminal property after prosecutors alleged that Saunderson used money from his drug deals to gift her a £12,000 Mercedes Benz. The prosecution claimed the car was purchased with proceeds from a 34kg amphetamine deal. Pegg denies the allegations and maintains that she did not knowingly benefit from Saunderson’s criminal activities.
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2018 Failure To Disclose Personal Debt: Warnings, But No Further Action
Pegg faced scrutiny in 2018 after failing to disclose county court judgments (CCJs) related to personal debts while employed at HMP Liverpool. At the time, she was confronted by then-governor Robert Durgan. She admitted feeling “mortified” and “embarrassed” and said she was unaware that nondisclosure was a breach of rules.
Despite the lapse, she was told that no further action was needed as the debts had already been declared by that point.
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Pegg Denies All Allegations As Trial Continues
Throughout the trial, Kerri Pegg has denied any wrongdoing. She has consistently stated that her actions as governor were professional and appropriate. The case continues at Preston Crown Court.
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Possession of Criminal Property
The offence of possessing criminal property is covered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. It occurs when someone has possession, control, or acquisition of property that they know or suspect represents the proceeds of crime.
To prove this offence, the prosecution must demonstrate that:
1. The property in question (e.g., money, vehicles) is the proceeds of criminal conduct.
2. The defendant knew or suspected that the property was obtained through unlawful means.
3. The defendant had control or possession of the property.
The penalties for possessing criminal property can include imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence and the value of the assets involved.
In this case, Kerri Pegg is accused of possessing criminal property in the form of a Mercedes car allegedly gifted to her by Anthony Saunderson, a convicted drug boss. The prosecution must prove that Pegg knew or suspected that the car was purchased using proceeds from criminal activity.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
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