Woman from Worle jailed for sneaking drugs into HMP Bristol
Tanya Petrie sentenced for smuggling prohibited items
Last updated 24th Feb 2026
A woman from Worle has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for smuggling drugs into HMP Bristol.
Tanya Petrie, 61, was found guilty by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on 12th February.
She previously admitted to charges of conveying a list B prohibited item into the prison and was sentenced last week.
In October 2023, Petrie, employed as a pharmacy technician at the prison, was seen retrieving an item from a wheelie bin at Somerdale Avenue in Bristol.
This was placed by Casey Collins, 23, who lived at the property and intended for Petrie to collect.
Upon arrival at her workplace, Petrie was detained, searched, and arrested on suspicion of conspiring to smuggle prohibited items.
During her time in custody, she revealed having a package containing class B drugs, cocaine, and tobacco.
Investigations led to phone numbers linked to prisoner Kyle Joyner, 32, revealing communication with Collins.
Petrie also confessed to obtaining money from the wheelie bin to buy SIM cards, which she then introduced into the prison.
Joyner and Collins were sentenced in January 2025.
Joyner received an additional three years to his existing sentence, while Collins was sentenced to two years and four months.
Senior Investigating Officer, DI Tim Seaman from the Serious and Organised Crime Team, said: “This case shows the proactive and determined work carried out by our team and our partners to uncover and dismantle a criminal conspiracy operating both inside and outside the prison walls.
“By working closely with colleagues at HMP Bristol, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Counter Corruption and the Regional Prison Corruption team within the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, we were able to swiftly identify the actions of a member of staff who was abusing her position of trust to smuggle dangerous drugs and illicit items into the prison.
“Such actions enable organised crime, fuel violence, and undermine the hard work of honest staff who dedicate themselves to running secure and rehabilitative environments.
“This investigation sends a clear message: our investigations into organised crime will identify those who facilitate organised criminality and we will work tirelessly with our partners, and use every tactic available to bring those involved in corruption to justice – regardless of their role or position.”