A former prison officer has appeared in court accused of engaging in inappropriate intimate relationships with inmates and smuggling cannabis and tobacco into a Category B jail.
Allegations of Misconduct and Smuggling
Kayleigh Robson, 29, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, pleaded not guilty to misconduct in a public office and other related charges at Cambridge Crown Court. The prosecution alleges that over a nine-month period, while working as a prison officer at the privately-run HMP Peterborough, she wilfully misconducted herself by having intimate relationships with prisoners.
The alleged misconduct is said to have occurred between 1 June 2020 and 28 February 2021. Furthermore, it is claimed that between 23 July 2020 and 19 April 2021, Robson conspired with others to bring prohibited items, namely cannabis and tobacco, into the prison establishment. She is also accused of becoming involved in a money laundering arrangement concerning bank transfers.
Co-Defendants and Court Proceedings
Robson appeared alongside three male co-defendants. Adam Hussain, 28, Ashley Neal, 30, and Roy Shalliker, 67, all denied a charge of conspiring to bring contraband into HMP Peterborough. Hussain and Neal additionally pleaded not guilty to a money laundering offence. Two other individuals are set to appear in court at a later date.
All defendants were granted bail. Due to significant backlogs in the court system, a two-week trial has been scheduled for April 2027 at Huntingdon Crown Court.
Judge's Warning on Trial Attendance
Judge Philip Grey addressed the defendants regarding the distant trial date, attributing the delay to the enormous backlog faced by the courts. He issued a stern warning about the consequences of failing to attend the future trial.
The judge stated that non-attendance would itself be a criminal offence potentially leading to imprisonment, and a warrant would be issued for arrest. He also cautioned that the trial could proceed in a defendant's absence, the jury could be informed of their non-attendance, their legal representation might withdraw, and they would forfeit the right to give evidence in their own defence. Judge Grey urged all defendants to maintain contact with their solicitors and ensure their presence at Huntingdon Law Courts on 19 April 2027.
Robson, a mother-of-one, spoke only to confirm her personal details and enter her not guilty pleas during the short hearing.
