A prison officer told an inmate she was "literally praying to have your babies" during a scandalous affair that a judge described as the worst case of its kind he had ever encountered. Charlotte Winstanley, now 27, engaged in a sexual relationship with gang member Jabhari Blair, 30, shortly after beginning her employment at Lindholme Prison near Doncaster, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
Explicit Messages and Contraband Smuggling
The court proceedings revealed graphic sexual messages exchanged between Winstanley and Blair, including discussions of Monday "date nights" and intimate photos and videos sent via a smuggled mobile phone. Prosecutor Aaron Dinnes detailed how prison cameras captured them touching and disappearing into rooms together, with messages such as "Life starts now, baby. Every sacrifice I make I do so I can be with you" and "I love my job but I love you more."
Serious Security Breaches
Winstanley acted as Blair's link to the outside world, smuggling contraband materials including the phone and a USB stick, and even providing an Argos website link for items he wanted brought into prison. She visited Blair's mother in Leeds and, after being suspended and Blair's transfer to another jail, signed up as a visitor and conducted online meetings with him, with the affair lasting approximately three years.
Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that Winstanley passed Blair information on prisoner movements, other inmates' healthcare, and cell searches. Blair, a member of an organised crime group serving a 12.5-year sentence for violence from 2014, told Winstanley he used prison contacts to ensure her protection, stating someone was "ready to fight immediately, if necessary."
Defence and Judicial Response
Defence barrister Khadim Al'Hassan argued that Winstanley, only 22 when she started at the prison with limited prior relationship experience, lacked the maturity and life skills required for the role, calling her employment a "recipe for disaster." He described her as "deeply remorseful" but ill-equipped for the position.
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC remanded both in custody, stating, "This is arguably the worst case of its kind I have personally dealt with." He highlighted the prolonged nature of the affair, smuggling activities, and Winstanley's failure to confess when given the opportunity, telling Blair he had "corrupted a prison officer" in a situation that was "about as bad as it gets."
Broader Context and Sentencing
The case also involved Morgan Farr Varney, a friend and fellow new prison officer whom Winstanley confided in about her "boyfriend," with Varney herself jailed for 10 months last year for a relationship with an inmate at HMP Lindholme. Winstanley, from Doncaster, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office and transmitting a photograph from inside a prison, while Blair, formerly from Leeds, admitted possessing cannabis and prohibited items.
Judge Richardson indicated that immediate custody was necessary but reserved final sentencing for Monday, as Winstanley cried in the dock. The scandal underscores severe breaches of prison security and ethical conduct, raising questions about training and oversight for young officers in high-risk environments.
