A former Regina jail guard was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for bringing drugs into the Regina Correctional Centre.

Brent Miles Taylor was convicted in May following a three-week trial.

The Crown was asking for 10 year sentence, the defence three and a half. In the end, Justice Eugene Scheibel of the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench sent Taylor to jail for five years.

"I apologize for what I have done," Taylor said. "I apologize to my wife, family and friends. It was a stupid mistake I made."

Taylor, who was a guard at the jail since 1987, was charged in 2010 with trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy and other offences. Between 2007 and 2009 Taylor delivered dozens of tobacco pouches to inmates at the jail that contained marijuana, morphine and other drugs. Court heard he was paid between $100 and $500 per delivery.

"I have concluded that the request by the Crown of a 10 year global sentence is excessive," the judge said. "It also must be noted that the suggestion of the accused of a total sentence of three and one-half years does not meet the necessary requirements of denunciation and deterrance."

Taylor also was banned from possessing a firearm for 10 years following his release. He must also pay a $5,000 fine and a $1,000 victim surcharge.