A prison officer has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at HMP Five Wells in Northamptonshire.
Toni Cole, 29, from Gordon Road, Wellingborough, was found to have engaged in a personal relationship with a 28-year-old prisoner, exchanging thousands of flirtatious and sexual messages, including explicit photographs.
The relationship was uncovered following a routine check into an unauthorised overtime shift on January 25, 2023. CCTV footage revealed Cole spending an excessive amount of time with the prisoner, with images showing him with his arm around her.
Thousands of Inappropriate Messages and Photos
An internal investigation led to Cole’s arrest, and her phone was seized. Detectives discovered a shocking 4,431 texts and calls exchanged between her and the inmate between September 1, 2022, and January 25, 2023. Many messages were sexual in nature, and the investigation uncovered 18 video calls between the two, as well as a revealing photo of Cole in a purple thong.
The relationship escalated beyond messages, with Cole admitting to kissing the inmate on multiple occasions. CCTV evidence also showed her sitting on his lap and reportedly promising to warn him if his cell was about to be searched by other officers.
Cole initially denied the extent of the relationship but later confessed, leading to her guilty plea on February 7 for misconduct in a public office.
Sentencing and Judge’s Remarks
Cole appeared before Northampton Crown Court on February 13, where she was sentenced to 12 months in prison and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge upon her release.
In court, the judge condemned her actions, noting how the relationship not only breached professional ethics but also compromised the safety and security of the prison.
Police Condemn “Betrayal of Trust”
Detective Inspector Richard Cornell, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Regional Prison Intelligence Unit, spoke about the case, saying:
“Toni Cole knew what she was doing was totally inappropriate, and that her behaviour was not only putting herself at risk but also jeopardising the safety of her colleagues and the inmates.”
He added, “The majority of prison staff carry out their duties to the highest standards, and I hope this sentence sends a clear message to those who seek to undermine public trust while holding positions of authority. Inappropriate relationships will be robustly dealt with using the full force of the law.”
Serious Security Breach at HMP Five Wells
HMP Five Wells, a Category C prison that opened in 2022, has faced scrutiny following the incident. Cole’s case raises concerns about staff-inmate boundaries and highlights the importance of maintaining strict protocols within the prison system.
The HM Prison and Probation Service has confirmed an internal review is underway to assess any lapses that may have allowed the relationship to develop unchecked.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Public reaction has been swift, with many expressing shock over the breach of trust. Local resident James Holloway said, “Prison officers have a responsibility to uphold the law. It’s appalling to hear someone use their position for personal gain like this.”
Cole will now serve her sentence while the prison system examines how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
