HMP Maidstone Image: Google Maps
A female prison officer who had a relationship with a prisoner which led to her having his child has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Following an investigation by the South East Regional Prison Intelligence Team (SERPIT), Kathryn Trevor, from Tunbridge Wells, pleaded guilty to two counts of wilfully neglecting to perform her duty/wilful misconduct while holding public office at a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on 29 April this year.
The 29-year-old was sentenced at the same court today (17 October) to a total of 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
While employed as a prison officer at HMP Maidstone, Trevor engaged in a sexual relationship with a prisoner, which resulted in her having a child with him.
She used an alias to maintain contact with the prisoner while not on duty and was sharing information with his family abroad.
Trevor was also aware that the prisoner was in possession of an illegal mobile phone and contacted him on it, rather than reporting it to prison security. This amounted to wilful misconduct and neglect of duty in public office.
The offences took place between 21 February 2020 and 25 September 2021.
An investigation was carried out by SERPIT and Trevor was charged with the offences on 3 March this year.
Detective Constable Nick Gossage, of the SERPIT counter corruption team, said: “Trevor was employed to ensure the safety and good order of the prison she worked in.
“Her behaviour over an extended period of time undermined this, putting her colleagues and the prisoners at risk.
“Her conviction should serve as a reminder to those that hold a position of power and trust that it is not to be abused and that action will be taken against them if they act in this way.”