A probation officer's romance with a prisoner was uncovered when a birthday card referencing oral sex was found in his cell, a court has heard. Leonie Wilkinson, 28, was working at HMP Preston when she rekindled a relationship with inmate Gary Hampson, whom she had known since she was 16.
Wilkinson failed to declare a conflict of interest during her induction, despite undertaking anti-corruption training, Preston Crown Court was told. Rumours of a relationship emerged in May 2021, leading to investigations that revealed mobile phone contact and a birthday card from Funky Pigeon, purchased using an account in her name. The card referenced oral sex and said it was his last birthday behind bars.
Email exchanges spoke of 'his side of the bed' and plans to have children together. Bank transfers showed two £30 payments and one £20 payment from Wilkinson to Hampson. Evidence of drug use, including GHB, ketamine, and cannabis, was found on her phone.
Wilkinson, from Preston, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office and two counts of unlawfully accessing computer systems. Gary Hampson pleaded guilty to assisting or encouraging the commission of an offence and possession of a prohibited mobile phone. The judge noted the relationship was 'blindingly obvious' and warned of the risks of blackmail and division among prisoners.
In mitigation, the court heard there was no evidence the relationship became physical, though an emotional attachment existed. Since her arrest, Wilkinson has become a single mother and works in mental health support.
