A prison officer involved in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate was captured on video engaging in physical contact and entering a room surreptitiously, a court revealed.

Charlotte Winstanley, now 27 years old, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for engaging in a significant sexual relationship with Jabhari Blair, a 30-year-old gang member, shortly after starting her employment at HMP Lindholme Prison close to Doncaster.

Evidence presented at Sheffield Crown Court indicated that Winstanley had smuggled various contraband items to Blair, including a mobile phone used for exchanging intimate photos and videos.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC characterized the case as the most severe of its kind that he had encountered. Messages between Winstanley and Blair revealed references to “date nights” and contained explicit content that suggested a sexual relationship, as highlighted by prosecutor Aaron Dinnes in court.

Moreover, it was disclosed that Winstanley facilitated Blair’s communication with the outside world and even visited Blair’s mother at her residence in Leeds. Following her suspension and Blair’s transfer to another facility, Winstanley maintained contact with him through online meetings as a visitor, extending the illicit relationship for approximately three years.

The prosecution also detailed how Winstanley provided Blair with sensitive information regarding prison operations, inmate health, and searches within his cell, posing a serious security risk due to Blair’s affiliation with an organized crime group and prior violent offenses.

Allegedly, Blair utilized his connections within the prison system to ensure Winstanley’s safety, implying a readiness for immediate retaliation if needed.

Winstanley, who completed her prison officer training in April 2022 but had prior experience as an operational support officer, conversed with a colleague about her relationship with Blair, echoing a similar situation that led to the colleague’s imprisonment for a similar offense.

During the court proceedings, Winstanley’s defense lawyer, Khadim Al’Hassan, argued that her lack of maturity and life experience, coupled with inadequate training, contributed to the unfortunate outcome of her actions.

Consequently, Winstanley was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for misconduct in public office and transmitting a photograph from within the prison, while Blair, a former gang member, received a 13-month sentence for possessing prohibited items within the prison premises.