A mother has expressed her commitment to staying with her infamous criminal boyfriend despite facing potential legal troubles herself while aiding him. Hayley Cook, aged 39, was involved in sending prohibited items to her partner, Carl Brookes, during his imprisonment. The parcels she sent contained various contraband items including mobile phones, chargers, tablets, and sheets soaked in ‘Spice’. Brookes, a repeat offender, was serving a sentence for firearms offenses in 2022 and is set to be released soon.
Cook, residing in Longbridge, Birmingham, stood by her incarcerated partner despite the risks it posed, drawing criticism from a judge for her choice. She shares two children with Brookes and was advised by Judge Sarah Buckingham to reconsider her relationship for the well-being of herself and the kids. Cook pleaded guilty to conveying prohibited items into the prison.
During the court proceedings at Birmingham Crown Court, Cook avoided imprisonment due to the potential impact on her children’s education. She received a 23-month suspended sentence for two years. Her defense attorney, Richard Simons, emphasized her remorse and highlighted the complexities of her situation, explaining that the presence of children further complicates her ability to distance herself from Brookes.
Brookes, along with a group of men, was apprehended by armed police in Kings Norton in May 2021, leading to his subsequent seven-year imprisonment for possessing weapons. Cook was found to have sent illegal packages to him while he was held at HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire, containing items like steroids and synthetic cannabis. The prosecutor noted Cook’s involvement in a tumultuous relationship and her lack of concern for the risks posed by Brookes.
Despite receiving a suspended sentence in the past for another offense related to Brookes, Cook’s current situation remains challenging. The judge emphasized the dangers of introducing contraband into prisons and urged Cook to consider the well-being of her children. Cook was ordered to engage in rehabilitation activities, perform unpaid work, and cover costs as part of her sentencing. Judge Buckingham stressed the importance of separating from Brookes for the sake of her children’s safety and overall well-being.