Criminal defence solicitors visiting clients in prison are risking a spell behind bars themselves because they are being duped into smuggling drugs, the security head of one of the UK's largest prisons has suggested.

Bryan Hopwood, security manager at HM Manchester Prison, told the Gazette that prisoners were asking their friends to wrap heroin in cigarette papers and hide them among documents.

'This method of concealment is not new - however, the letter is then given to legal visitors who are told the prisoner needs [the letters] to help him with his case,' Mr Hopwood explained.

'Using this method it is possible for solicitors or paralegals to be involved in the supply of drugs.'

Rodney Warren, director of the Criminal Law Solicitors Association, agreed that legal advisers should be on their guard.

'It is very unwise to take anything into prison on behalf of someone else,' he added.

'It is just asking for trouble.'

Paula Rohan