Prison Officer Sentenced for Inappropriate Contact with Murderer Inmate
A former prison officer has been jailed after being caught sending intimate messages, including "miss you," to an inmate serving a life sentence for murder. Ellis Eyles, 24, was employed at HMP Deerbolt in County Durham when she engaged in regular communication with Mitchell Ingham, who was convicted in 2016 for killing a man during a pub brawl in Manchester.
Discovery of the Relationship
The illicit relationship came to light in June 2023 when prison staff searched another inmate's cell and discovered an iPhone hidden behind a false panel in a cabinet. Upon examining the device, authorities found messages from Eyles to Ingham, such as "miss you" accompanied by three kisses, and Ingham referring to her as "babe." The phone was quickly linked to Ingham based on the content and images stored on it.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Eyles, from Darlington, appeared at Durham Crown Court and pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office. During the proceedings, it was revealed that she had also been in contact with Ingham's parents, relaying information about his family back to him. In one instance, Ingham asked Eyles for the location of another prisoner, stating he intended to "get him done in," and she provided details that the inmate was in the segregation unit.
Prosecutor Antonia Adie stated that Eyles was arrested at her home, where she voluntarily provided the pin code for her phone. The court heard that despite having completed anti-corruption training, Eyles abused her position of trust. Defence lawyer Robert Mochrie described her as a "21-year-old immature lady" with limited experience, having received just under six weeks of training and only half a day focused on anti-corruption measures.
Background of the Inmate
Mitchell Ingham was sentenced to life in prison in 2016 at the age of 15 for the murder of 21-year-old Dominic Doyle in a Manchester pub fight. Reports from his sentencing noted that he showed "no remorse and swaggered into the dock smiling." He is required to serve a minimum of 14 years before being eligible for parole in 2028. In a separate case last month, Ingham received an additional nine-month sentence for his involvement in contacting Eyles, to be served consecutively with his life term.
Outcome for the Prison Officer
Judge Richard Bennett acknowledged that Eyles had a "challenging childhood" but emphasized the seriousness of her actions. Since leaving the prison service, she has continued to work, but the court sentenced her to eight months in prison. Eyles, who had no prior convictions, had already resigned from her position at HMP Deerbolt and expressed deep regret for her behaviour, according to her defence.
