A married prison officer accused of having a sexual relationship with a convicted cop killer has expressed a desire to continue the relationship, a court has heard. Amy Mershell Connors, 34, appeared at Kempsey Local Court in New South Wales on Monday, facing charges of misconduct in public office and larceny.
Connors, a mother of two, was arrested at her home in Smithtown on 3 August after a police investigation into an alleged 12-month-long sexual relationship with inmate Sione Penisini at Kempsey Correctional Centre. She has been stood down from her role as a senior prison officer of 14 years.
Magistrate Brett Thomas noted Connors had 'shown a desire to continue the relationship' with Penisini, who was recently moved to Goulburn Supermax jail after allegedly assaulting a fellow prisoner. Connors did not enter a plea to the misconduct charge, but her lawyer said she would plead not guilty to a separate larceny charge relating to an alleged stolen bracelet.
Connors left court without commenting, accompanied by her mother. Penisini allegedly 'groomed' Connors by encouraging her to undergo weight loss surgery. Reports that Connors was pregnant with Penisini's child have been denied by her family.
