A prison worker has been jailed after she had an improper relationship with a inmate and was persuaded to smuggle in mobile phones.

Alison Waddington was suspected of having full sex with Jason Quinn at Elmley Prison, Sheppey, but she claimed there was only kissing and cuddling.

Another prisoner saw what was happening and the 45-year-old support officer agreed to obtain mobile phones for him after threats were made, Maidstone Crown Court was told.

Sentencing Waddington to 19 months, a judge told her: “Mobile phones in prison are corrosive if they become an instrument of power, extortion and oppression, and they undermine the discipline and good order which is essential to run a prison properly.

“That is why it is absolutely clear I have no option but to pass a deterrent sentence upon you.”

Waddington, of Leet Close, Eastchurch, admitted misconduct in public office between September 1 last year and January 8 by having an inappropriate relationship with Quinn.

She also admitted conveying an article - a quantity of mobile phones - into the prison between September 1 and December 20 last year.

Prosecutor Dominic Connolly said Quinn revealed that he became close to Waddington as she made night patrols on his wing.

The other prisoner found out and Waddington then started supplying him with mobile phones she bought, dropping them off to Quinn.

She handed over a total of 10 phones. She even gave Quinn her bank card details so that he could top up his phone credit.

Mr Connolly said Waddington took other items such as a legal high, clothing and toiletries for Quinn. They exchanged over 600 messages.

Waddington had benefited financially from the phones, he said, but Judge Philip Statman accepted a defence submission that Waddington was only paid to cover the cost of the phones.

After her arrest in January she denied the accusations, including having any form of sexual relationship with Quinn, who has since been moved to another prison.

“It is a very grave offence... It gives access to the internet, which can facilitate money laundering and other forms of crime" - Judge Philip Statman

Dean George, defending, said Waddington was the sole carer for her parents, who both suffered from dementia.

She had not told them about her court appearance and they would be left alone, he added.

Judge Statman said taking mobile phones into prison could have “devastating consequences”.

“It is a very grave offence,” he said. “It is a dreadful state of affairs. It gives access to the internet, which can facilitate money laundering and other forms of crime.”

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