Mum had 'inappropriate relationship' with inmate while working as prison officer

 

Zoe Oldham has admitted misconduct in a public office in relation to her role at HMP Risley

A mum has admitted engaging in an "inappropriate" relationship with an inmate while working as a prison officer. Zoe Oldham was brought before Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday, after being charged with misconduct in a public office in relation to her role at HMP Risley in Warrington.

Appearing in the dock wearing a beige coat over a black dress and with her brown hair tied back in a bun, the 29-year-old spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth before pleading guilty to the single count. The particulars of this offence state that, between March 1 2023 and December 19 2023, while working as a prison officer at Risley prison, she "engaged in an appropriate relationship with a prisoner".

Her counsel Damian Nolan told the court that the evidence in the case stretched to more than 1,100 messages, adding: "She admits the essential nature of the offence with which she is charged.

There is, on the face of it, division about what is spoken about in the case summary, what is ruminated by the officers interviewing her and the evidence served.

"This lady has young children. Perhaps for obvious reasons, I would ask the court to consider sentencing her in the New Year."

Oldham, of Marlborough Road in Accrington, Lancashire, will now be sentenced on January 9 next year, being released on unconditional bail ahead of a mention hearing on December 16.

Adjourning her case and ordering a pre-sentence report to be completed by the Probation Service, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC told her: "I am going to adjourn your case for sentencing.

"Sentencing will take place on the 9th of January. The fact that a report is being ordered must not be taken as any indication. These matters are serious.

"You should prepare for the possibility of a custodial sentence. The court will consider all matters which are relevant for sentence."

Co-defendant Lewis Smith was also due to appear before the city's top judge this morning. However, his case was adjourned due to issues establishing a video link to HMP Hindley.

The 32-year-old, of Abbey Hey Lane in Gorton, Manchester, has been charged with possession of a mobile phone in a prison, possession of an unspecified prohibited item in a prison and possession of a class C drug in a prison, the latter count relating to anabolic steroids which he was alleged to have possessed while behind bars at HMP Wymott in Lancashire.

He will now face a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 15.