A prison officer who had an inappropriate relationship with an inmate and played a part in a conspiracy to smuggle cannabis vapes into jail has been jailed.
Megann Gibson, 26, triggered more than 100 reports of concern from colleagues over five months while working at HMP Wealstun, near Wetherby, in 2023, Leeds Crown Court heard.
A previous hearing was told she had engaged in “sexual communications” with a member of an organised crime group and exchanged 900 WhatsApp messages with his mother.
Gibson, of Stornaway Square, Hull, admitted misconduct in public office and possession of cannabis and was jailed for 12 months.
In total102 reports about Gibson were received, with many about the defendant spending too much time with prisoners, going into their cells and colleagues unable to find her while on-shift, the court heard.
Gibson denied taking anything into the Category C prison for the prisoner, despite his letters thanking her for the vapes she had given him.
He also wrote he had “enjoyed their kisses”, despite Gibson denying any sexual activity.
After her arrest, £1,000 was found inside her home “capable of supporting the assertion that she was being paid”, the court heard.
Gibson told police officers she had withdrawn the money to pay for a tattoo, but no evidence supporting this claim was found.
Officers also found messages between Gibson and other members of the organised crime group, the case heard, suggesting they had met at a pub in Leeds.
There was also evidence that Gibson had travelled to Sheffield to meet the prisoner’s mother, who had acted as a “go-between”.
The court heard the offending took place between 24 April and 18 May 2023, with Gibson also seen in her uniform in her car smoking cannabis.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “The overwhelming majority of Prison Service staff are hardworking and honest, but as this case shows, we will always take robust action when officers fall below our high standards.”