Prison officer admits relationship with inmate

Megann Gibson worked at HMP Wealstun in Wetherby

A prison officer has admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate which included exchanging more than 900 messages with his mother.

Megann Gibson also accepted she had engaged in "sexual communications" with the prisoner at HMP Wealstun in Wetherby, near Leeds.

The 26-year-old admitted misconduct in a public office and possession of cannabis at Leeds Crown Court earlier and will be sentenced on 14 August at the same court.

Gibson, of Fearnville Terrace, Roundhay, was released on unconditional bail but the judge told her the offence was a "serious matter" so not to "look into that too much".

"You may well be serving a prison sentence", he added.

The court heard Gibson allowed the inmate into areas of the Category C jail where he was not supposed to be, and visited his home address.

Gibson's defence counsel said her client was in the process of being diagnosed with various mental health issues and potentially had PTSD from a previous relationship.

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