Ex-Cop Jailed for Secret Romance with Convicted Murderer
A former prison officer turned policewoman has been locked up after anti-corruption detectives exposed her secret relationship with a convicted killer.
Stephanie Heaps, now Stephanie Ramsden, hid her romance with Leon ‘Layton’ Ramsden, 35, a life-sentenced murderer, during her stint at HMP Wymott in Leyland.
Undercover Investigation Unravels Web of Crime
Our investigation revealed Heaps’ deceit in landing a police job while linked to Ramsden and his dangerous organised crime gang. The group was involved in money laundering, drug dealing, and a conspiracy to burgle a St Helens property in 2019.
Heaps joined Greater Manchester Police as a PC in Bolton in July 2019 after working as a prison officer since March 2018 — all while hiding ties to criminals.
Anti-Corruption Unit detectives launched a probe in September 2019, supervised by the Independent Office of Police Conduct, to dig up evidence of her wrongdoing.
Damning Evidence Exposes Corruption and Cover-Ups
- Heaps frequently visited Ramsden in prison and communicated using illegal phones smuggled into his cell.
- She passed sensitive police intel to Ramsden’s gang.
- On duty, she botched an arrest of a domestic abuse suspect connected to Ramsden.
Arrested in January 2020, Heaps refused to comment and quit the force weeks later.
Four Years Behind Bars for Double Betrayal
Working with the CPS and prison service, police secured Heaps’ guilty pleas in October 2022 for:
- Misconduct as a police officer and prison officer.
- Encouraging criminal activity via illegal phone calls.
- Conspiracy to burgle a St Helens address.
- Money laundering linked to drug profits.
At Bolton Crown Court on 4 July, Heaps was sentenced to four years and three months in jail and banned from policing for life.
Ramsden, held at HMP Berwyn, received five years and seven months, to run alongside his murder sentence.
Official Reactions: Shock and Retribution
“We were shocked by Heaps’ brazen disregard for duty,” said Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Adams of the Anti-Corruption Unit. “She should never have been trusted in uniform. Thanks to our team, she’s now gone — and rightly so.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Alan Richardson added: “Heaps abused her position of trust and compromised both roles. The CPS and GMP built a rock-solid case forcing her to admit guilt. She will face the consequences of her actions.”
Others Also Sentenced in Connected Crime Cases
- Philip Markland, 40, got 22 months for burglary conspiracy.
- Lee Ramsden, 52, received a 15-month suspended sentence with a home curfew for money laundering.
- Clifford McCarthy, 35, handed 15 months suspended plus community service for similar charges.
- Joanne Campbell, 48, sentenced to 13 months suspended, rehabilitation, and support services involvement.
