A custody officer at HMP Berwyn, Britain's sprawling super prison, has been handed a prison sentence herself after admitting to a shocking breach of trust with a convicted double murderer.
Lynsey Altass, 31, was employed at the Category C facility in Wrexham, North Wales, when she began an inappropriate relationship with inmate Aaron Whittington. Whittington is currently serving a life sentence for the brutal murders of two men in a Leicester flat in 2015.
A Betrayal of Trust and Security
The court heard how Altass's actions constituted a serious violation of the strict codes of conduct governing prison staff. The relationship, which involved passing notes and maintaining communication, was discovered by prison authorities, leading to an immediate investigation and her subsequent arrest.
Prosecutors outlined how the relationship posed a significant risk to the security and good order of the prison, undermining the entire justice system.
From Guard to Inmate: A Dramatic Fall from Grace
Appearing at Mold Crown Court, Altass was sentenced to eight months in prison. The judge emphasised the severity of her crime, stating that a custodial sentence was unavoidable given the gross breach of trust.
This case sends a stark warning about the consequences for prison staff who cross professional and ethical boundaries with those in their care. The incident has raised questions about security protocols and staff vetting within the UK's prison service.
