Prison Officer's 'Date Night' Affair with Gang Member Inmate Exposed in Court
A prison officer told an inmate she "wanted his babies" during a "romantic and intimate" relationship that spanned three years, a trial at Sheffield Crown Court has heard. Charlotte Winstanley, now 27, began a sexual relationship with gang member Jabhari Blair, 30, shortly after starting work at Lindholme Prison near Doncaster.
Smuggling Contraband and Intimate Messages
Prosecutor Aaron Dinnes detailed how Winstanley smuggled a range of contraband materials for Blair, including a mobile phone used to exchange intimate photos and videos. Graphic sexual messages between the pair were read in court, with one from Blair stating he "can't wait to give Miss Winstanley a beautiful baby." Winstanley reportedly replied: "I'm literally praying to have your babies."
The court heard how the couple designated Mondays as their "date nights," with Winstanley sending messages such as: "Life starts now, baby. Every sacrifice I make I do so I can be with you," and "I love my job but I love you more." Prison cameras allegedly captured intimate moments of them touching and disappearing together into rooms.
Acting as a Link to the Outside World
Mr Dinnes explained that Winstanley "acted as his link to outside," with investigators finding an Argos website link detailing items he wanted smuggled into prison. She even visited Blair's mother at her home in Leeds. After being suspended and Blair moved to another jail, Winstanley signed up as a visitor and conducted online meetings with him, prolonging the relationship.
Evidence suggested Winstanley passed Blair information about prisoner movements, other inmates' healthcare, and searches of his own cell. This was deemed extremely serious as Blair, a member of an organised crime group, was serving a 12-and-a-half-year sentence for violence from 2014. Blair allegedly told Winstanley he used prison contacts to ensure her protection, warning that "somebody was ready to fight immediately, if necessary."
Defence and Judicial Remarks
Defending Winstanley, Khadim Al'Hassan told the court she was only 22 when she began work at the prison and had limited life experience, with only one previous boyfriend at age 15. He argued that employing her was a "recipe for disaster," stating she was "deeply remorseful" but lacked the maturity and skills for the role.
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described the case as "arguably the worst of its kind" he had personally dealt with, noting: "For a prison officer, young or old, to have conducted a sexual affair with a prisoner is bad enough. For it to be over a prolonged period of time worsens the matter." He remanded both defendants in custody, with sentencing scheduled for Monday.
Charges and Context
Winstanley, of Doncaster, has admitted misconduct in public office and transmitting a photograph from inside a prison. Blair, a serving prisoner formerly from Leeds, has admitted possessing cannabis and prohibited items, including a phone and a USB stick. The court also heard that Winstanley's friend, Morgan Farr Varney, another new prison officer at HMP Lindholme, was jailed last year for a similar inmate relationship.
This case highlights ongoing issues of corruption and misconduct within the prison system, raising questions about training and oversight for young officers in high-pressure environments.
