A shocking breach of security has unfolded at a Nottinghamshire prison, where a female guard entrusted with upholding the law instead became intimately involved with it—in the form of a convicted inmate.
Casey Laver, 28, has been sentenced to 16 months imprisonment after admitting to misconduct in a public office. The court heard how Laver, a custodial manager at the Category B men's prison HMP Lowdham Grange, engaged in a clandestine and "corrupt" relationship with a prisoner.
A Relationship Forged Behind Bars
Laver's illicit actions came to light after vigilant prison officials discovered a secret mobile phone. A subsequent investigation uncovered a trove of over 4,000 messages and calls exchanged between the officer and the inmate over a four-month period.
The content of their communication left no doubt as to the nature of their relationship. Messages were laced with sexual innuendo and discussions about their future together upon his release, painting a clear picture of a profound and forbidden attachment.
Betrayal of Trust and Security
Sentencing her at Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Steven Coupland condemned Laver's actions as a "gross breach of trust." He emphasised the severe implications of her conduct, stating it struck at the very heart of prison security and undermined the integrity of the entire system.
"You are a member of staff who succumbed to the attentions of a prisoner and entered into a relationship with him which was corrupt," the judge told her. The court was informed that the inmate involved had a history of serious violence and was serving a significant sentence.
A Career and Freedom Lost
The fallout from her actions has been absolute. Laver, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was immediately dismissed from her role at the Serco-run prison following her arrest. The court heard a personal plea from her defence barrister, who described her as "deeply ashamed" and highlighted that she had lost a career she loved.
However, the judge noted that her remorse came too late, only after she had been caught. The sentence serves as a stark warning to other prison staff about the severe consequences of blurring the professional line with those in their custody.
