The jury in the trial of former prison governor Kerri Pegg has retired to consider their verdicts as of Tuesday morning, April 8. Pegg, 42, is under accusation of misconduct in a public office and possession of criminal property, specifically related to her alleged relationship with Anthony Saunderson, a notable figure in drug trafficking, while he was incarcerated.
Pegg, who hails from Orrell in Wigan, is alleged to have accepted a £12,000 Mercedes from Saunderson, who has been linked to a Liverpool crime syndicate, in exchange for facilitating his temporary early release from HMP Kirkham, where she was serving as governor. Prosecutors assert that the car was purchased using drug money and was part of an arrangement that breached her professional duties.
In the context of her rise within the Prison Service, the court noted that Pegg was considered a 'rising star' in her field, advancing swiftly from a graduate entrant to the position of prison governor within a span of six years. However, the case presented by the prosecution also highlighted her personal financial struggles, including three county court judgments against her, failure to disclose these to her superiors, and an overall lifestyle that reportedly exceeded her means. This situation potentially rendered her vulnerable to corruption, according to legal arguments.
During the trial, Pegg expressed regret, describing herself as 'incredibly stupid', while denying any wrongdoing. Her defence portrayed her as someone who had been 'taken advantage of' by Saunderson, highlighting her naiveté. Pegg's physical attributes and personality were also mentioned—she was described as 'petite, blonde, and bubbly'—further emphasising the defence's argument that she lacked the sophistication to navigate the complex dynamics of her involvement with a convict.
Anthony Saunderson himself has a criminal background, having received a 10-year sentence in November 2014 for drugs conspiracy and money laundering. After his transfer to HMP Kirkham in June 2017, it is alleged that Pegg improperly authorised his temporary releases without the necessary permissions. Following his release, he became embroiled in another drug supply conspiracy and was identified as the head of a crime gang known as Jesse Pinkman, a name inspired by a character from the television series "Breaking Bad." Notably, in July 2019, Saunderson was contracted to run a project titled Breaking Alcohol and Drug Dependency in some prisons, complicating the narrative surrounding Pegg’s professional motivations.
Pegg is currently facing two counts of misconduct in public office and one count regarding possession of criminal property. As the jury deliberates, the outcome remains forthcoming.
Source: Noah Wire Services