Prison worker jailed over relationship with inmate

A woman who worked delivering rehabilitation courses to male prisoners has been jailed after starting an inappropriate relationship with an inmate and smuggling illicit items into the jail.

Jane Littler took spice, painkiller tablets and other prohibited items into HMP Garth in Lancashire, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said.

The 41-year-old, from Chorley, admitted misconduct but denied possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.

She was sentenced to five and a half years at Preston Crown Court.

Littler began working at the jail in August 2014, delivering programmes aimed at reducing violence.

An investigation began in August 2021 after a mobile phone was discovered in a prisoner's cell.

Analysis revealed more than 2,000 contacts between the device and Littler.

Later searches uncovered further evidence of inappropriate contact and prohibited items linked to the staff member.

On 5 October 2021, Littler was arrested at her home address.

Officers seized mobile phones, handwritten notes, and packages containing substances including spice and 768 painkiller tablets.

Letters recovered from her address also indicated the inappropriate relationship with the prisoner.

Det Insp Brian Morley said the case "demonstrates the serious consequences of corruption within prisons".

"Staff are entrusted with supporting rehabilitation and protecting the public, but when that trust is abused, it undermines the integrity of the entire system," he said.

"These actions fuel organised crime, put other prisoners and staff at risk, and erode public confidence in the justice system."

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