Prison worker jailed after becoming 'infatuated' and starting relationship with inmate

She admitted two charges of misconduct in public office and was jailed for a year.

Croft, who was working at HMP Morton Hall, a Category C men's prison near Lincoln, even had a pillow printed with the inmate's face.

The court heard that she began working at the prison in 2022 as a civilian inclusion support coordinator, helping inmates with learning difficulties.

Declan Austin, prosecuting, said Croft became "infatuated" with the inmate after the pair began speaking in December 2022.

She was placed under investigation and suspended after rumours began to spread around the prison of an inappropriate relationship, the court heard.

During a "challenge meeting" in February 2023, Croft denied any wrongdoing but was suspended until April of that year.

She then resumed working at the prison after the investigation proved inconclusive, though suspicions were again raised after she stayed in contact with the inmate, the court heard.

"She sent photographs of herself to him who by this time was at HMP Lincoln, and were subsequently found in his cell," Mr Austin said.

"They were photos of her in sexually motivated positions, in underwear."

One photo showed Croft wearing a ring with the initials "LZ".

Phone contact between the two revealed a message from Croft that read "sick of white men".

Neil Sands, mitigating, asked the court why a woman of "adult years" had succumbed to an inmate.

"It is clear in this case there was an infatuation," he said, adding her previous relationships had left her "extremely vulnerable".

Judge Recorder Luke Blackburn said that her conduct had left her vulnerable to blackmail and corruption, for which she had received training.

"You formed a relationship with a prisoner, you became infatuated with him," the judge told Croft.

"So much so you sent him pictures and had a pillow at your home with a picture of him.

"The risks of that are obvious to anyone."

"You provided images of yourself in underwear to him, and provided him with eleven SIM cards.

"You continued an inappropriate relationship with him even after you were suspected."

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