Prison Officer Sentenced for Inappropriate Relationship with Inmate
A prison officer has been handed an eight-month jail term after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office for sending explicit images and videos to an inmate, with their illicit relationship uncovered when he became overprotective and attacked other prisoners.
Details of the Misconduct
Zoe Oldham, 29, worked as a guard at HMP Risley in Warrington for five years before her actions came to light in 2023. She formed an intimate relationship with inmate Lewis Smith, 32, over several months, which included sending nude photographs and videos of herself, including images of her genitals and acts of masturbation.
In return, Smith sent topless pictures of himself, and the pair exchanged over 1,000 messages expressing love for each other. Oldham also provided her bank details to Smith, leading to transfers of at least £350 from his sister into her account.
Discovery and Investigation
Concerns were first raised in March 2023 when Smith began assaulting prisoners he believed had disrespected Oldham, displaying overprotective behaviour. This prompted a search of his cell, where authorities found a mobile phone hidden in a sock.
Analysis of the device revealed the extensive messaging history between Oldham and Smith, along with the explicit content. Prosecuting lawyer Simon Christie noted a strong inference of a sexual relationship, though no specific acts were identified.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Liverpool Crown Court, Oldham admitted one count of misconduct in a public office. Defence lawyer Damian Nolan argued that she had reported inappropriate contact from another prisoner in the past and was commended for it, but she made a grave error of judgement during a vulnerable period in her personal life.
Judge David Swinnerton emphasized the seriousness of the offence, stating that it undermined prison discipline and put colleagues at risk. He noted that while Oldham had no previous convictions and was the primary carer for her five-year-old daughter, immediate custody was necessary to serve as a deterrent.
Judge Swinnerton said: "Prison officers have to realise that they cannot form these inappropriate relationships. It carried on for months. The message is that immediate imprisonment follows, almost always, in cases of this nature."
Aftermath and Consequences
Oldham, from Accrington, Lancashire, lost her job as a prison officer and faced difficulties securing other employment due to publicity around the case. She is currently on state benefits but hopes to return to work. The court acknowledged her efforts at rehabilitation but imposed the jail sentence to reflect the breach of public trust.
In a related case, Lewis Smith was sentenced to an additional eight months in prison in December last year for possession of a mobile phone and class C drugs in prison.
