FIVE people have been charged in connection with an alleged conspiracy to smuggle items into jail.

The charges follow an investigation by the Met's directorate of professional standards in conjunction with officers from the London prison anti-corruption team and the stolen vehicle unit.

PC Hayley Cloud, aged 26, who works in Lewisham but is currently suspended, has been charged with five offences including misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to steal.

Natalie Ricketts, aged 26, has been charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct, conspiracy to steal, acts capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of misconduct and theft.

Ricketts was a police worker in Bexley before resigning in June.

Prison officer Ian Cooper, aged 33, has been charged with five offences including conspiracy to cause misconduct and conspiracy to convey articles into prison.

Thomas King, aged 26, of Main Road, Sutton-at-Hone, is accused of nine offences including two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

One other man, 32-year-old prisoner Robert Talbot, of no fixed address, has been charged with five offences including conspiracy to convey articles into prison.

They will all appear at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 15.