Beverley Frank, a 42-year-old prison custody officer at HMP Millsike in Full Sutton, Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office after sending intimate photographs of herself in red lingerie to a male inmate. The relationship was uncovered during a routine IT check of the prisoner's external communications.
Discovery of the Relationship
Michael Masson, prosecuting, told Hull Crown Court that the head of IT at the facility reviewed sample emails, text messages, and phone calls as part of surveillance of inmate communications. On September 15, emails from a prisoner revealed a relationship with a woman using the alias "Jess Richardson." The emails included photographs of a woman in red lingerie, with part of her face visible and a tongue piercing. Additional messages from a woman known as "Jess Love" indicated familiarity with prison procedures.
The head of IT alerted a prison intelligence officer, who cross-referenced the images with current female employees. They matched Frank. The intelligence officer then monitored the prisoner's phone calls, confirming that "Jess Love" was Frank.
Confrontation and Admission
On September 20, when Frank arrived for her shift at 8 a.m., she was met by the intelligence officer and a security staff member. Separated from colleagues, she was questioned about her interactions with the prisoner. Initially denying any inappropriate contact, she later admitted: "Do you know what? Yes, I have been doing it. I know it's wrong." Frank was arrested, and a mobile phone was confiscated, containing the images. There was no evidence she supplied a phone or drugs to the inmate.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Amber Hobson, mitigating, said Frank admitted guilt at the earliest opportunity. "She made admissions when she was confronted by staff about her behaviour and she has never tried to hide what she has done," Hobson stated. Frank, who has children, had engaged positively with probation and was deemed suitable for community support rather than imprisonment. "She does not excuse her behaviour. She is candid, upfront and she takes responsibility," Hobson added.
Judge John Thackray KC addressed Frank: "All offences of this kind are serious. You formed a relationship with a prisoner at HMP Millsike. You were working as a prison custody officer, a trusted position. The forming of a relationship in these circumstances causes serious jeopardy to the safety and security of the prison and those within it, both inmates and staff." He accepted that Frank's remorse was sincere and profound.
Frank, of Albany Road, Leeds, received an eight-month suspended prison sentence, 100 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation, and a one-year ban from contacting the prisoner. Her mobile phone was confiscated. Judge Thackray warned: "If you breach the order, it's likely that you will have to serve the sentence of eight months."
Background of HMP Millsike
HMP Millsike, a privately-operated men's prison in Moor Lane, Full Sutton, opened in March last year as the UK's first all-electric, eco-friendly prison, with capacity for 1,468 male resettlement prisoners.
