A 34-YEAR-OLD woman was 'pressured' into taking four mobile phones with a total value of around £2000 into Risley Prison for her ex-partner, a court heard.

Karen Ball, from Greater Manchester, appeared at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting to conveying the articles into the prison on September 2.

The court heard she was visiting her ex-partner with her son and her actions were spotted on camera.

Prosecution barrister Anna Price said Ball received a call the week before telling her to carry out the crime.

She added: "During the visit a CCTV operator saw the defendant's behaviour.

"Four mobile phones were found, which her partner at the time took from her.

"The value of them was in the range of £500 each. Police attended and the defendant was arrested."

Defence barrister Tim Ashmole said it is clear his client 'is trying to lead her life in a law-abiding way'.

Judge Nicholas Woodward described the case as a 'serious matter' as he delivered his judgment to Ball, who wept in the dock.

"You are not a person who expected to appear before the crown court, especially for a serious offence," he said.

"The phones had a considerable value in custody – it is very important that the law does its utmost to prevent these offences from happening.

"I accept you acted under pressure after receiving a call and that is why you did what you did.

"You are managing in the world with the help of state support. You are a vulnerable woman in the way you suffer from depression.

"The view from the probation service is you can manage perfectly well without their intervention.

"The sentence I will impose will give full credit for the guilty plea and your good character."

Ball was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for two years.

The defendant spoke only to say 'thank you very much'.