West Devon prison officer jailed after misconduct and drug supply case
The Okehampton woman was sentenced on Tuesday after failing to report inmate phone use and supplying class C drugs, court hears
A former prison officer from West Devon has been jailed after admitting to misconduct in public office and involvement in the supply of drugs.
Monika Richards, 46, from Okehampton, was sentenced to 14 months in prison at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday (May 5).
The court heard that while working at HMP Exeter, Ms Richards failed to report that a serving prisoner was in possession of an illicit mobile phone.
She had also been communicating with the inmate in question using the device.
During a search of the prisoner’s cell, officers found two small mobile phones hidden inside.
Call records from one of the phones showed two-way contact with Ms Richards.
Further investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) found that Ms Richards had also been supplying a class C drug, diazepam, to associates outside the prison.
SWROCU Corruption Investigator PC Mark Paterson said Ms Richards would have known her responsibilities as a prison officer.
“Richards would have been fully aware of her duty to inform supervisors that a serving prisoner was in possession of a mobile phone and that she had been having phone contact with him,” he said.
“Illicit mobile phones in the hands of criminals allows them the opportunity to continue their criminality both inside the prison and in the community.
“Prison staff neglecting their duty by failing to report the existence of such phones can potentially lead to further serious crimes being committed and leave themselves open to manipulation and blackmail by prisoners.
“Richards further offended by supplying controlled drugs outside of the prison estate.
“Her actions fell far below what would be expected of a public servant in a position of trust.”
Ms Richards pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office and being concerned in the supply of a class C drug.
Information shared on behalf of South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU)