Jail officer sent prisoner explicit pictures

Hobbs worked at HMP Huntercombe when she kissed the prisoner and sent him explicit pictures

A prison officer who kissed a prisoner while on duty and sent explicit pictures of herself to him has been given a suspended jail term.

Chloe Hobbs, 23, of Windsor, Berkshire, worked at HMP Huntercombe near Nuffield, Oxfordshire, in November 2023 when the prisoner was found with a banned mobile phone and the pictures of her.

Further investigation found Hobbs received a total of £2,800 from the inmate's partner and that Hobbs had admitted to a friend that she had kissed the inmate while on duty.

Hobbs, who admitted misconduct in a public officer, was given a 14-month jail term, suspended for two years, at Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday.

She must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 court costs following the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) and HM Prisons and Probation Service Counter Corruption Unit investigation.

"We continue to work in close partnership with HMPPS Counter Corruption Unit to identify and bring to justice the small number of staff who violate the standards expected in public service," Det Chief Supt Steve Boniface, the head of SEROCU, said.

"Hobbs' actions eroded confidence in the prison system, all while she was serving in a role of considerable responsibility.

"This conviction sends a clear signal: no individual is above scrutiny. Misuse of authority will be met with decisive action."