Prison Worker's 'Infatuation' Leads to Jail Sentence
A civilian prison worker who became 'infatuated' with an inmate and sent him photographs of herself in her underwear has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Nikki Croft, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office following an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner, referred to in court by the initials LZ.
Details of the Inappropriate Relationship
The court heard that Croft, who worked as an inclusion support coordinator at HMP Morton Hall near Lincoln, began speaking to the inmate in December 2022 into January 2023. Despite receiving anti-corruption training upon starting her role in July 2022, she developed a fixation on him.
Prosecutor Declan Austin told Lincoln Crown Court that Croft sent the prisoner, who was later moved to HMP Lincoln, photos of herself in 'sexually motivated positions' while wearing underwear. These images were later discovered in his cell. Investigators also found a photo of Croft wearing a ring bearing the initials LZ, and she even possessed a pillowcase at her home featuring his image.
Furthermore, Croft provided the inmate with eleven mobile phone SIM cards. A forensic examination revealed that one of these SIMs had been used a staggering 9,477 times by prisoners.
Investigation and Continued Contact
Suspicions about the relationship first circulated in the prison in early 2023, leading to a 'challenge meeting' on 22 February 2023, where Croft denied any wrongdoing. An initial investigation proved inconclusive, and her suspension was lifted in April 2023.
However, she continued the relationship even after returning to work, maintaining contact with LZ and sending him the compromising photographs. This persistent conduct raised fresh alarms and led to the charges being brought.
In mitigation, her lawyer Neil Sands stated that Croft, a woman of 'adult years', had been left extremely vulnerable by previous relationships, which contributed to her actions. He acknowledged the clear 'infatuation' at the heart of the case.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks
Passing sentence, Recorder Luke Blackburn said he was unable to suspend the custodial term due to the seriousness of the offences. He emphasised that Croft's actions had left her wide open to blackmail and corruption, risks for which she had specifically been trained.
'You formed a relationship with a prisoner, you became infatuated with him, so much so you sent him pictures and had a pillow at your home with a picture of him,' the judge told Croft. 'The risks of that are obvious to anyone. You continued an inappropriate relationship with him even after you were suspected.'
Nikki Croft, whose address is protected by a court order, was sentenced to a total of 12 months in prison.
