Murderer ran drug ring from NSW prison

Convicted murderer Bassam Hamzy has pleaded guilty to running a drug syndicate from his NSW prison cell using a smuggled mobile phone.
Hamzy pleaded guilty in the NSW District Court on Tuesday to two charges, including supplying a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine in May and June 2008, while he was in Lithgow Correctional Centre, and aggravated detain for advantage.
He also admitted to a further 15 charges, which Judge Peter Zahra will take into account on sentencing.
Among them are more drug supply offences and another kidnapping, in which Hamzy threatened to cut off the victim's ears and make a necklace.
The matter was adjourned to September 9 for sentencing submissions. Hamzy was convicted in 2001 of murder and his non-parole period will expire in December 2023.