A mother expressed her commitment to staying with her infamous criminal boyfriend, despite facing legal trouble herself for assisting him while he was in prison. Hayley Cook, 39, was found guilty of sending prohibited items to her partner, Carl Brookes, including mobile phones, chargers, tablets, and Spice-soaked sheets. Brookes, a repeat offender, is serving time for firearms offenses and is set to be released soon.
Cook, residing in Longbridge near Birmingham, made a firm decision to support her incarcerated partner, even though it put her at risk of criminal activity. Despite criticism from a judge for her loyalty to Brookes, Cook, who shares two children with him, stood by her choice. She pleaded guilty to conveying contraband into the prison.
During the court hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, Cook avoided a prison sentence due to concerns about the impact on her children’s education. She received a 23-month suspended sentence for two years. Her defense lawyer, Richard Simons, emphasized her remorse and the complexities of her situation, citing her children’s strong bond with Brookes.
Brookes, involved in a serious criminal incident in 2021 leading to a seven-year sentence, was found in possession of illicit items Cook sent to him while at HMP Dovegate. Cook’s actions were described as part of a turbulent relationship by the prosecutor, Matthew Cullen, who highlighted her lack of concern for safeguarding measures.
Despite a previous suspended sentence for another offense related to Brookes, Cook faced the judge’s stern words about the dangers of illegal items in prisons. Judge Buckingham urged Cook to consider separating from Brookes for the well-being of her children. Cook was ordered to engage in rehabilitation activities, perform unpaid work, and pay fines, with a strong emphasis on the need to break away from the criminal influence in her life.