A PRISON officer has admitted a charge of misconduct in public office by having a sexual relationship with a serving female prisoner.

The relationship came to light after concern was raised with authorities at Low Newton Prison, Durham, over Melissa Priestley’s association with the inmate, last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that the 33-year-old officer had given almost a decade of service at the women’s prison, at Brasside, on the outskirts of the city, when the allegations arose.

A search of the prisoner’s cell led to the discovery of letters suggesting an inappropriate relationship had taken place with a staff member.

During the subsequent police investigation, messages found on Priestley’s phone appeared to corroborate the suggestion she had been involved in such a relationship.

Priestley was charged with misconduct in a public office, in that between October 1 and December 2, last year, as a prison officer, she wilfully misconducted herself by indulging in the relationship with the inmate.

During a short plea hearing at the court today (Thursday, August 11) she admitted the charge.

Ros Scott Bell, for Priestley, requested preparation of a background report on her client, prior to next month’s sentencing hearing.

She told the court: “This is a lady of hitherto good character who had been working at Low Newton since April 2006.

“I have spoken with the Probation Service about the matter and suggest that a full report should be prepared.”

Judge Christopher Prince agreed and told Priestley that all sentencing options remain open to the court.

“It won’t be me sentencing, but the fact that I’m adjourning for reports should be taken as no indication as to sentence.”

He bailed the defendant, of Sunningdale, Newton Aycliffe, to return for the sentencing hearing on Thursday, September 22.

Following the hearing, John Dilworth, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, in the North-East, said: “For people to have confidence in the criminal justice system, they need to know that the law applies equally to all of those involved in the delivery of justice.

“The relationship between Melissa Priestly and the prisoner, over whom she had a professional duty of care, was wholly inappropriate.

“I would like to praise the swift actions of the prison authorities and police, once the initial reports of this relationship were received.

“Through their diligence vital evidence was preserved, assisting greatly in the Crown’s preparation of a robust case against Melissa Priestly.”

Priestley, of Sunningdale, Newton Aycliffe, was bailed to return for the sentencing hearing on Thursday, September 22.