Prison officer and mother sentenced for disclosing sensitive information to a prisoner

A prison officer and her mother have been sentenced for disclosing sensitive information to a prisoner.

The convictions follow an investigation by officers from the Prison Intelligence Team in the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) in partnership with HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) Counter Corruption Unit.

At Guildford Crown Court on Monday (7/7), Zoe Davie, aged 33, of Middlepark Way, Havant, was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment for misconduct in a public office.

Tracie Davie, aged 58, of Gaskell Mews, Newbury, was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, for assisting the commission of the offence.

At a hearing on 10 March 2025, the pair pleaded guilty to the above offences.

In October 2022, Zoe Davie was a serving prison officer attached to a specialist search team within HMPPS. Her brother was in custody at HMP Coldingley, serving a five years' and one month sentence for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Zoe Davie disclosed sensitive information concerning a forthcoming search scheduled to take place at HMP Coldingley to Tracie Davie, her mother, who subsequently passed that information onto Zoe’s brother.

Evidence was discovered on recorded prison phone calls between Zoe’s brother and her mother, as well as WhatsApp messages exchanged between Zoe and Tracie Davie.

Zoe and Tracie Davie were charged on 18 October 2024.

Head of SEROCU, Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Boniface, said:

“The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit remain committed to working closely with HMPPS Counter Corruption Unit to expose and prosecute the minority of prison staff who breach the professional standards expected of those in positions of public trust.

“Zoe Davie’s actions fell short of those standards, compromising the safety of her colleagues by disclosing sensitive operational intelligence.

“This behaviour not only undermined public trust, but also disrupted the operational integrity of HMPPS, all while she was serving as a prison officer.

“I hope this outcome reinforces the message that accountability applies to all regardless of personal ties – those who abuse their position will be held to account.”