Prison threat to smokers

Judge Anthony Russell, the Recorder of Preston, sounded the message while dealing with a young woman who triggered an evacuation of Preston Crown Court’s Ringway building yesterday by smoking in the cells.

Judge Russell said “This is clearly indicated to be a no smoking building. There are smoking signs.

“I want it to be clearly understood that such behaviour can amount to a Contempt of Court and that a judge can deal with the matter very quickly, by summary procedure.

“If it is proved to the satisfactory of the judge, it may result in a prison sentence.”