Six-month prison fling sparks scandal
Cherrie-Ann Austin-Saddington, 26, embarked on a secret six-month affair with convicted rapist Bradley Trengrove inside HMP The Verne, Dorset. The pair got close backstage in the prison workshop, where they reportedly had sex up to 40 times.
The romance kicked off after Trengrove slipped Cherrie-Ann a note with his secret mobile number. Instead of blowing the whistle, she sent him a text, and the illicit relationship took off.
Mother-of-three falls pregnant, plans artificial insemination
Cherrie-Ann was fully aware that Trengrove was a convicted sex offender – he was serving 13 years for rape and sexual activity with a child. But she believed his claims of innocence.
The sex offender’s family even got involved, building bonds with Cherrie-Ann and officially coupling the couple.
She became pregnant, tragically losing the baby after eight weeks.
When Trengrove was moved to HMP Channings Wood, their secret sessions ended. But Cherrie-Ann wasn’t done. She visited him as a guest and smuggled in a Calpol syringe for him to ejaculate into, hoping to artificially inseminate herself.
Busted with a syringe – and sentenced
The bizarre plan was foiled when Cherrie-Ann was caught with the syringe. Trengrove’s cell was searched, uncovering their message exchanges.
Cherrie-Ann was hit with a two-year suspended sentence for misconduct in public office.
Twist of fate: Paralysed before sentencing
Before sentencing, Cherrie-Ann suffered a spinal stroke, leaving her paralysed from the chest down. The suspended sentence was met with sympathy, considering her grim health.
By then, she had dumped Trengrove and walked away from the scandal – but the case raises serious questions about women working in men’s prisons.
Experts argue this kind of scandal demands stricter vetting and improved training for prison staff.
