A young prison officer is now facing the prospect of time behind bars after she confessed to engaging in an improper relationship with an inmate while serving at HMP Risley.
Court Appearance and Guilty Plea
Zoe Oldham, aged 29, stood before a judge at Liverpool Crown Court, where she admitted to a single charge of misconduct in a public office. The court was told that the inappropriate relationship with a prisoner occurred between March 1, 2023, and December 19, 2023.
Appearing in a beige coat and black dress, Oldham spoke only to confirm her personal details before entering her guilty plea. Her legal representative, Damian Nolan, addressed the court, acknowledging the substantial evidence which included over 1,100 messages and confirming his client's admission of the charges against her.
Mitigation and Sentencing Adjournment
In mitigation, Mr Nolan highlighted that Oldham is a mother with young children. He explicitly requested the court to consider deferring her sentencing until the New Year, a plea the judge ultimately granted.
Judge Andrew Menary KC adjourned the case and ordered a pre-sentence report. He explicitly warned Oldham, stating, 'You should prepare for the possibility of a custodial sentence.' He emphasised that the ordering of the report was no indication of the final outcome, as the matters were serious.
Oldham, who is from Lancashire, was released on unconditional bail ahead of her next hearing on December 16. Her final sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2026.
Co-defendant and Case Details
The case involved a co-defendant, Lewis Smith, whose scheduled appearance at the same hearing was postponed due to technical issues with his video link from prison.
The proceedings have cast a spotlight on conduct within the prison service, underscoring the severe professional and legal consequences for staff who breach their fundamental duties and boundaries.
