Infatuated Prison Officer Charlotte Winstanley Gets Prison Time After Sexual Relationship With Inmate

A former British prison officer was sentenced to prison after admitting she engaged in a sexual relationship with an inmate under her supervision, a court heard Monday.

Charlotte Winstanley, 27, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office in connection with a “substantial sexual relationship” with prisoner Jabhari Blair, 30, while assigned to HMP Lindholme in South Yorkshire. Prosecutors told the court the relationship began soon after Winstanley started working at the facility.

During the three-month period, she had repeated intimate encounters with Blair, who was serving time for violent offenses, according to court records. Winstanley also sent messages expressing affection and plans for their future, the court was told.

Evidence presented at Sheffield Crown Court showed the two communicated frequently, including messages in which Blair described personal feelings and Winstanley reciprocated. Prosecutors argued the contact represented a serious breach of trust and professional duty.

The court heard Winstanley’s conduct included smuggling unauthorized items into the prison and facilitating access to restricted communications, actions that further undermined institutional security.

The judge sentenced Winstanley to 30 months in prison, saying her actions betrayed the public’s trust and the responsibilities of her role.