A shocking security breach has been uncovered at one of London's largest prisons, where a female prison officer stands accused of smuggling a mobile phone to a convicted criminal serving time for brutal machete attacks.
Jodie Driscoll, 29, faces multiple misconduct charges following an internal investigation at HMP Thameside in southeast London. The officer allegedly provided illicit communication devices to inmate Kiyan Rhami, 22, who is currently serving a substantial sentence for his role in violent gang-related crimes.
The Allegations and Investigation
According to prison authorities, Driscoll stands accused of two counts of misconduct in public office. The charges stem from allegations that she facilitated unauthorised communication between March and June 2024, potentially compromising prison security and undermining rehabilitation efforts.
The investigation revealed that Driscoll allegedly smuggled a mobile phone to Rhami, who was convicted for his involvement in a terrifying machete attack that left two victims with life-changing injuries. The incident occurred in Enfield, north London, in August 2022, when Rhami and accomplices ambushed their victims in a violent confrontation.
Dangerous Prisoner Profile
Kiyan Rhami represents exactly the type of high-risk inmate that prison security measures are designed to monitor closely. His conviction for violent offences involving machetes placed him in the category of prisoners requiring maximum supervision.
The ability to communicate externally via smuggled devices represents a serious security threat, potentially enabling continued criminal activity from within prison walls. Prison authorities have emphasised that such breaches undermine both public safety and the integrity of the justice system.
Institutional Response and Legal Proceedings
HMP Thameside, operated by private security company Serco, has launched a comprehensive review of security protocols in response to the incident. A spokesperson for the prison service stated: "We take any allegations of staff misconduct extremely seriously and have robust measures in place to investigate and address such matters."
Driscoll has been suspended from duty pending the outcome of legal proceedings. She is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court next month to face the formal charges.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about prison security and the sophisticated methods sometimes employed to bypass monitoring systems. The Prison Service has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct among staff members.
