A prison educator faces potential jail time following her confession to engaging in a romantic relationship with an incarcerated individual. Kelly Duffey, 36, residing in Amesbury, Wiltshire, acknowledged guilt at Winchester Crown Court for two instances of misconduct in a public role associated with her involvement with Ashley Goodridge at HMP Erlestoke.

The court disclosed that the affair occurred from July to September 2024 and encompassed kissing and a single physical intimate encounter. Goodridge, aged 38, also pleaded guilty to a charge for transmitting a photo via a mobile device from the men’s category C prison.

Recorder Gemma White cautioned Duffey about the possibility of imprisonment when they reconvene for sentencing on April 16. Despite this, she was granted unconditional bail by the judge, who emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the range of potential penalties, which may include immediate incarceration.

In a previous hearing in February, Duffey refuted assertions of an intimate connection with a prisoner at the all-male HMP Erlestoke facility in Wiltshire, where she was employed as an instructor. While denying involvement in a romantic relationship with an inmate, she did admit to failing to report an inappropriate relationship between a staff member and a prisoner.