A Trio of criminals which was stopped in Salford last spring have been sentenced after a drone plot to smuggle drugs into HMP Manchester.
Three people involved in a conspiracy to use drones to smuggle drugs and other prohibited items into HMP Manchester have been handed prison sentences, following an investigation by north Manchester Challenger team.
Aaron Pearcey (18/02/1995) of Westbury Street, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, has been jailed for six years and two months for conspiring to bring, throw, convey a prohibited article into or out of a prison and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
Kane Sloanes (09/04/2001) of Swaledale Crescent, Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, has been jailed for 16 months for conspiring to bring, throw, convey a prohibited article into or out of a prison.
Emma Broome (14/06/1989) of Darlton Walk, Manchester, has been jailed for 15 months for conspiring to bring, throw, convey a prohibited article into or out of a prison.
During the sentencing yesterday (Thursday 17 September) at Manchester Crown Court, it was heard how the investigation into the trio began on Monday 6 April 2026, after officers stopped an orange Volkswagen Caddy van Salford.
Inside the vehicle contained several occupants, including Pearcey and Sloanes. A large drone which was open was found inside the back of the van.
The van had travelled from the North East of England before arriving into Salford where it was stopped less than a mile from HMP.
Detective Constable, Alcock, said: “The use of drones to smuggle contraband into prisons is a significant concern. Drugs, mobile phones and other prohibited items can fuel further criminality, undermine prison security, and place both staff and inmates at risk.
After further enquiries, it was revealed that multiple drone drops had taken place at the prison that evening.
One package was successfully delivered before another was intercepted by prison staff. Evidence recovered from Pearcey’s mobile phone showed that he was in direct contact with a serving prisoner and actively organising the delivery.
Sloanes was present throughout the operation and had claimed ownership of the drone when officers initially stopped the vehicle.
During the investigation, the role of Broome was uncovered. It was established that she was linked to an inmate at HMP Manchester.
Mobile phone evidence showed she was in regular contact with the prisoner and discussed drone equipment, packaging of items and arrangements connected to deliveries into Strangeways.
Following a detailed forensic and digital investigation, all three were arrested and charged with conspiring to bring, throw, convey a prohibited article into or out of a prison.
The detective continued: “This case demonstrates the lengths some offenders will go to in an attempt to profit from criminal activity. Through a combination of proactive policing, partnership working and detailed digital enquiries, we were able to identify those responsible and build a strong case against them that led to them being sent to prison today.
“We will not allow you to infiltrate our prison establishments with illegal contraband and we remain committed to disrupting organised criminal networks, and protecting our communities both inside and outside the prison estate.”
The detective hopes the sentencing sends a clear message that anyone involved in prison drone deliveries will be identified and sent to prison.
