THIS is the moment a gobsmacked criminal was arrested at the prison gates - just seconds after leaving jail.

Samuel Watts had been released HMP Kirkham following a three-year sentence for a drug dealing plot.

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But the 34-year-old only managed to taste freedom for a few moments before he was pounced on by police.

Officers had discovered Watts was still dealing drugs from his prison cell.

In bodycam footage, he can be heard moaning "you don't know what I've gone through".

Despite his pleas, officers can then be seen placing the criminal in handcuffs at the prison gates.

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He has now been jailed for four years and four months after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) while serving a prison sentence.

Burnley Crown Court was told Watts was originally locked up in September 2023 for dealing cocaine and cannabis.

In July last year, officers at Northwich Proactive CID discovered intelligence suggesting Watts was in possession of a mobile.

They believed he was using the contraband to sell drugs from his cell at the Preston nick.

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Following the discovery, Watts was searched and prison officers discovered an Apple iPhone strapped to his waist.

A search of the phone revealed a catalogue of messages that proved he was selling illegal drugs.

Police Constable Dan Lee, Of Northwich Proactive CID, said: “Watts saw his initial prison sentence as an inconvenience rather than a punishment.

"After smuggling a mobile phone into the prison, he thought that he could simply continue to run his criminal enterprise from behind bars, directing people lower down the chain to deliver drugs on his behalf.

“However, he clearly underestimated the dedication and determination of the team here at Northwich Proactive CID.

"As soon as we became aware of his latest activities we brought them to a swift conclusion and were ready to arrest him as he was released from prison.

“I welcome the latest sentence handed to Watts and hopefully this time he’ll use his time behind bars to reflect upon his actions rather than trying to set up another business venture, otherwise we’ll be waiting for him again next time he’s released.”

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