A prison officer's secret relationship with an inmate at a North East jail was uncovered after a "love letter" was found in a car. Lindsay Wilson was working at HMP Deerbolt in County Durham when she entered into a relationship with a prisoner.
The 46-year-old mother-of-four was in the process of completing anti-corruption training when the relationship was discovered. A court heard that during a search of a BMW, officers found an iPhone and a "love letter" to the prisoner where she described him as "the butter to my toast".
Sentencing at Durham Crown Court
On Friday, Wilson appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced for misconduct in a public office. She had pleaded guilty to the charge, which was carried out between August 7 and October 26 2024.
The court heard that the relationship was discovered after a police dog handler searched a BMW parked at the category C jail. Neil Jones, prosecuting, said that the search was carried out as part of an investigation into items being smuggled into the prison.
At the time, there had been an "influx" drugs in the prison, with some inmates requiring medical attention. However, there was no evidence to suggest that Wilson had been smuggling anything into the jail.
'The butter to my toast'
Mr Jones said: "The vehicle may have belonged to the defendant's son and she was using it to get to work. A handbag was behind the passenger seat and an iPhone."
A love letter to the prisoner [was found]. It expressed in very affectionate terms, by the defendant, 'you are the butter to my toast' and 'the milk to my tea'." A message saying 'Happy Valentine's Day' was also found, with the court hearing the relationship had been going on for "some time".
The prisoner's cell was also searched, but nothing was found to suggest an "intimate relationship" had been going on inside. The love letter that was found also contained the prisoner's fingerprints.
The court was told Wilson, of Ayr Avenue, Colburn, Catterick Garrison, had no previous convictions and had only been a prison officer for around six months. She has since left the prison service.
'Out of character'
Mairi Clancy, defending, said the incident was "out of character" and occurred at a time when she was "dejected, depressed and isolated" following the breakdown of her marriage. She said: "She has raised four children and in 2024 suffered significant unexplained weight and hair loss."
She sought medical attention." Ms Clancy added: "[The offence] was out of character and that period of her life is closed now."
Sentencing Wilson, Judge Aisha Wadoodi said the offence "damaged the confidence in the integrity of the prison regime" and sentenced her to 11 months prison, suspended for 18 months. She must also abide by a six month curfew between 8pm and 6am and undertake a probation requirement.
