Law change on jail mobiles mooted

Blocking the signal to the jail would deter illegal phone smuggling

Changes should be made to the law in Jersey to allow mobile phone signals to be blocked at HMP La Moye, a senior politician has said.

Newly-appointed Home Affairs Minister Andrew Lewis said under the current telecommunications law it was illegal to interfere with the signal.

The law was adopted from the UK, but Mr Lewis said the technology was available and the States could consider a change.

Prison authorities say smuggled phones can be used for criminal activity.

Mr Lewis said consideration would also need to be given to the risk that blocking the signal to the prison could affect some nearby homes.

"With the prevalence of mobiles phones being used sometimes instead of land lines, that is an issue," he said.