In 2025, several female prison officers have been sentenced to prison after engaging in inappropriate relationships with inmates. These illicit activities came to light following investigations led by police and the Ministry of Justice, highlighting a troubling breach of professional conduct within correctional facilities.
Among the convicted is Morgan Farr Varney, a former officer at HMP Lindholme in South Yorkshire, who formed a romantic relationship with Jordan Rhodes, a convicted drug dealer. The relationship was confirmed through CCTV footage showing them meeting secretly in a storage cupboard. Varney, 25, from Doncaster, was sentenced to 10 months in May after admitting to the relationship. She has since spoken out about the emotional challenges of working in prisons and advocates for raising the minimum age for prison officers to 25, aiming to reduce immature decisions.
Katie Evans, once an officer at HMP Doncaster, was jailed for 21 months in March after admitting to an intimate relationship with prisoner Daniel Brownley. Evidence revealed she had over 140 phone calls with Brownley and assisted in moving money between accounts. Despite claims of being manipulated by Brownley, the court found no excuse for her actions.
READ MORE: Over Half of West Midlands Teachers Report Homeless Children in Their Schools
READ MORE: Former One Direction Security Guard Faces Leg Amputation, Fundraises £30k for Operation
A viral video sparked an investigation into Linda De Sousa Abreu, a prison officer at HMP Wandsworth, revealed engaging in a sexual encounter with burglar Linton Weirich. Abreu was arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to fly to Madrid and was subsequently jailed for 15 months after pleading guilty to misconduct in public office.
Toni Cole, previously at HMP Five Wells, admitted to an inappropriate relationship with an inmate after CCTV footage showed intimate contact and extensive communication, including flirtatious texts and video calls. Cole was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in February 2025.
Similarly, Aimee Duke of Milton Keynes, also at HMP Five Wells, was sentenced to 12 months in August for misconduct. Investigations uncovered unauthorized presence on various prison wings, inappropriate interaction with prisoners, and possession of prisoner identification. Messaging evidence indicated a relationship with a prisoner, resulting in her conviction.
Other cases awaiting sentencing include Alicia Novas, 19, who admitted to misconduct and prison smuggling offenses linked to HMP Five Wells and HMP Peterborough, with sentencing scheduled for January 2026. Sarah Barnett and Heather Pinchbeck, former officers at HMP Dovegate, also face sentencing early next year for misconduct related to secret communications and illicit relationships with inmates.
The Prison Service has stressed that while most staff uphold high standards, it is actively strengthening vetting processes and its Counter Corruption Unit to root out misconduct. Sentencing these officers underscores the commitment to maintaining integrity within the prison system and taking decisive action against rule violations.