A Bishop Auckland prison officer accused of inappropriately communicating with an inmate has appeared in court.
Michaela Crawford has been charged with misconduct in a public office after communicating with a prisoner while working as an officer at HMP Deerbolt.
This allegedly took place in Barnard Castle between August 20 and August 22 in 2024.
The 34-year-old, of Marsh Way in Bishop Auckland, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Monday (April 27).
District Judge Steven Hood, who was sitting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court and appeared via a video link, sent the case to Durham Crown Court.
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Crawford, who was wearing a blue blazer and blue and white shirt, was granted unconditional bail and will next appear at the higher court on May 26.
Addressing the defendant, Judge Hood said: “The case, as I said, has to go to the crown court.
“If you fail to attend Durham Crown Court then you commit a further offence, and there could be a warrant put out for your arrest.”
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