Prison manager at HMP Doncaster jailed for relationship with inmate

Lauren Miller went to "desperate lengths" to stop the relationship being exposed, police said

A prison manager who had a relationship with an inmate and intimidated her colleagues into silence has been jailed.

Lauren Miller, 34, a custodial manager at HMP Doncaster, spent long periods of time in the man's cell.

Police said suspicions grew among colleagues when he was given privileges other prisoners were not afforded.

She was jailed for nine months after earlier admitting misconduct in a public office.

South Yorkshire Police said Miller began working as a prison officer at Doncaster in April 2021 and moved up the ranks to become custodial manager - the most senior uniformed officer in a jail.

'Deplorable and shameful'

The role meant she was responsible for dealing with and managing around 300 inmates at the category B prison and in early 2023, staff on the wing noticed she had become close to one particular inmate.

Miller, of May Close in Thurnscoe, resigned in May 2023 and her sudden exit prompted an investigation into her links with the man.

Det Sgt Gareth Gent, who heads up the force's prison anti-corruption unit, said it was established that Miller was "in phone communication with the inmate where their relationship was discussed".

He said when colleagues raised suspicions, Miller "forced them into silence and went to desperate lengths to stop this relationship becoming public knowledge".

Sentencing Miller, a judge at Sheffield Crown Court said her conduct was "deplorable and shameful" and described her as "corrupt" and "a disgrace".