A PRISON officer has denied failing to perform his duty by engaging in sexual activity with 12 female inmates.
David Whitfield, 34, is charged with abusing the public trust by inciting and engaging in sexual activity with the prisoners over a five-year period up to 2016 when he was working at HMP Low Newton, in Durham.
The defendant, of Colman Avenue in South Shields, South Tyneside, also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a woman between 2014 and 2015.
Appearing at Durham Crown Court, Whitfield pleaded not guilty to misconduct in a public office and sexual assault.
Judge Christopher Prince bailed him to appear for trial at Newcastle Crown Court on July 22.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel