A prison tutor from Wiltshire has been warned she could face a custodial sentence after admitting to engaging in an intimate relationship with a serving inmate at HMP Erlestoke. Kelly Duffey, aged 36 and residing in Amesbury, Wiltshire, entered a guilty plea at Winchester Crown Court to two counts of misconduct in a public office.
Details of the Relationship and Offences
The court proceedings revealed that the inappropriate relationship occurred between July and September 2024. It involved kissing and one physical sexual encounter with prisoner Ashley Goodridge, who is 38 years old. Goodridge also admitted to an offence related to sending a photograph using a mobile phone from within the category C men's prison, highlighting additional breaches of prison regulations.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Warning
Recorder Gemma White explicitly cautioned Duffey that custody remains a real possibility when both individuals return to court for sentencing on April 16. While granting Duffey unconditional bail, the judge emphasized that all sentencing options are under consideration, including the likelihood of an immediate custodial sentence. This stern warning underscores the seriousness with which the court views breaches of trust by prison staff.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the breach of professional boundaries and the potential implications for prison security and inmate management. Such incidents raise concerns about oversight and conduct within correctional facilities, prompting discussions on preventative measures and disciplinary actions.
As the sentencing date approaches, legal experts anticipate that the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving misconduct by prison employees. The public and legal community will be closely monitoring the court's decision to see how justice is administered in this high-profile breach of trust scenario.
