Prison officer admits relationship with inmate

Charlotte Winstanley had an inappropriate relationship with an inmate in 2022

A prison officer has admitted having a romantic relationship with an inmate.

Charlotte Winstanley, 27, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office and taking an unauthorised photograph inside HMP Lindholme in Doncaster.

Co-defendant, prisoner Jabhari Blair, 29, pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled drug, namely cannabis, and two counts of possessing illicit items, which relate to a mobile phone and USB stick.

When told they would be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on 3 December, Blair, who turns 30 that day, remarked: "Thanks for the birthday present, judge."

The hearing on Thursday was told Winstanley committed the misconduct offence between 1 August and 17 November 2022, though it was not made clear who she had been romantically involved with at the prison.

Both defendants entered not guilty pleas to one count of conspiracy to convey prohibited items into prison.

Winstanley, of Coronation Road, Doncaster, also denied bringing a mobile phone into prison on 17 November 2022.

Judge Megan Rhys was told Blair, who appeared via video link from HMP Doncaster, has a pending parole hearing in December.

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