SA prison guard pleads guilty to three counts of drug smuggling

A South Australian prison guard has pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled drug after he was charged earlier this year.

The man has pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking in a controlled drug. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

A prison guard, who has successfully had his identity suppressed, has pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle drugs.

The southern suburbs man appeared at the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking in a controlled drug.

A lawyer for the man requested an interim suppression order – instated earlier this month – be extended to prevent prejudice to the proper administration of justice and prevent undue harm to a number of children.

A police prosecutor said they didn’t support the application but did not oppose a suppression order being in place.

An interim suppression order on the man’s identity has been extended. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Magistrate Michael Fotheringham accepted the man’s application and extended the interim order to suppress the name, image and anything tending to identify the defendant.

“In regard to the affidavit material and the written submissions, I consider there is undue hardship to children and that it’s in the proper administration of justice to suppress the details of the defendant,” he said.

Police corrections detectives arrested the man, and three women, over the smuggling in July.

Police allege the guard tried to smuggle suboxone – a drug used to treat opioid dependence, amphetamine and cocaine.

The man will return to court in December for sentencing.