Prison worker jailed over affair with inmate

A prison support worker who had an affair with an inmate has been jailed for six months.

Heidi Bessant, 38, began a relationship with the man while she was working at HMP Leyhill, a category D open prison in South Gloucestershire, in November 2023.

Their affair continued until June 2024 when an investigation into the pair was launched by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Bessant, from Chepstow, was jailed at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting misconduct in a public office.

The SWROCU said Bessant was working as a operational support grade (OSG) staff, supporting the work of prison officers.

The inmate involved was serving a sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and blackmail.

The couple exchanged phone calls and text messages, with the prisoner using a phone he was not allowed to have, and would spend time at hotels and restaurants when he was on day release.

Bessant also arranged for money to be deposited in the inmate's prison bank account using his bank card details.

PC Mark Paterson, corruption investigator at SWROCU, said: "Bessant's role as an OSG meant she had a duty to conduct herself in a responsible, respectable and trustworthy manner. Instead, her conduct amounted to a serious breach of trust.

"SWROCU will continue to work determinedly with the HMPPS Counter Corruption Unit and the prisons in bringing to justice employees who engage in any form of criminal conduct.

"It simply will not be tolerated - they will be identified, investigated and prosecuted."

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.