Former Doncaster prison officer jailed after starting relationship with inmate
The 27 year old also smuggled items into HMP Lindholme for the convicted gang member
A former prison officer from Doncaster has been jailed after engaging in a romantic relationship with an inmate at HMP Lindholme
Charlotte Winstanley, 27, of Coronation Road, Doncaster, was sentenced to two years and six months at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday.
Winstanley’s relationship with inmate Jabhari Blair, 30, came to light after prison officials reported concerns in November 2022.
Gang member Blair was serving a 12-year and six-month sentence for wounding and firearms offences.
The investigation, led by South Yorkshire Police, revealed evidence of the inappropriate relationship, including CCTV footage.
Subsequent searches uncovered cannabis, a mobile phone, and a USB stick in Blair’s cell.
Analysis showed that Winstanley had brought the mobile phone into the prison, which was previously registered to her.
Intimate messages, images, and videos were exchanged between the pair, along with discussions on smuggling the device.
Winstanley was charged with misconduct in public office and unauthorised transmission of an image inside a prison.
Blair, of no fixed abode, was charged with possession of cannabis, unauthorised possession of a mobile phone, and unauthorised possession of a USB device in prison.
He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing on January 30 and received a 13-month sentence, consecutive to his ongoing prison term.
Speaking after the sentencing, DC Scott Jarvis, of South Yorkshire Police, said:
“Winstanley’s actions will no doubt be shocking to members of the public who rightly expect the highest standards from those who work within His Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service."
“The prison acted immediately when evidence of her misconduct came to light and they fully supported our extensive enquiries which have led to Monday’s outcome."
“Through a thorough investigation we were able to chart the course of Winstanley’s relationship with Blair and provide irrefutable evidence of her criminal misconduct as well as his crimes."
“I hope this result shows that no-one is above the law and we will work without fear or favour to bring all offenders to justice.”