Prison guard faces WA court on corruption

A Perth prison officer has appeared briefly in court accused of supplying inmates with contraband including cannabis, mobile phones and alcohol in return for cash from a third party.

Scott Craig Berridge, 32, is charged with a string of offences including official corruption, with police claiming he abused his position several times in the 14 months to May this year.

This included using a work computer system several times to provide a prisoner with confidential information, which was also passed on to the officer's associate.

"Prison officers hold a position of trust and power, and this must be upheld," the Department of Corrective Services said in a statement.

"Any member of staff who is proven to have acted corruptly, thereby endangering the safety and security of detainees, offenders and colleagues, and ultimately the WA community, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The Department of Parks and Wildlife and Australian Border Force joined police in investigating 32 exotic reptiles that were uncovered during the probe into Berridge's activities and were being kept by two people.

Inquiries into the animals are continuing.

Berridge appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on Friday and was released on bail with a $10,000 personal undertaking and a $10,000 surety with conditions.

He is due back in court on August 5.