Lawyer used balloons to smuggle drugs on prison visit
A lawyer has been caught using balloons to smuggle tobacco and painkillers into a prison while visiting an inmate as their representative.
Kristy Lee Howell was arrested on July 2 on the same day she arrived at Parklea Correctional Centre, in Sydney's western suburbs.
The 43-year-old appeared at Blacktown Local Court on Monday, when her barrister Lang Goodsell said she would plead guilty to unlawfully bringing 106g of tobacco into the prison.
READ MORE: Donald Trump reacts to Joe Biden pulling out of US presidential race
Kristy Lee Howell departs the Blacktown Local Court in Sydney, Monday, July 22, 2024. AAP
Howell has also admitted taking 32 strips of the prescription-only painkiller buprenorphine into the facility.
The Cranebrook woman has not entered pleas to two further drug supply charges, which cover allegations she brought 18g of methamphetamine and 3g of cocaine into the prison.
Magistrate Brian Van Zuylen adjourned the matter until August 16 after hearing Howell's lawyers had just come on board and needed more time.
READ MORE: Crucial detail missing from Obama's statement on Biden
Howell, a lawyer, has pleaded guilty to bringing tobacco and painkillers into Parklea prison but has not responded to accusations she was also caught smuggling cocaine and ice. AAP
He told Howell and her legal team pleas to all four charges would be formally required at the next court date.
The 43-year-old did not say anything to reporters as she left court on Monday.
She is currently on bail under conditions barring her from attending any prison or being in contact with the Parklea inmate she was visiting on the day of her arrest.
Watch every moment, every medal of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event ad-free and in 4K on Stan Sport.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
