Prison cellphone probe

A Christchurch Prison corrections officer who tried to smuggle a cellphone into the prison is being investigated by the Corrections Department.

The investigation follows a cellphone scandal at the same prison this month after a woman complained about receiving suggestive texts and indecent photographs from convicted double murderer Scott Watson, an inmate at Christchurch Prison. Watson is facing misconduct charges.

Yesterday Christchurch Prison site manager Paul Rushton confirmed an investigation into a prison officer was under way. "Under no circumstances are staff permitted to bring unauthorised cellphones into the prison," he said.