A 19-year-old prison officer and a 30-year-old inmate have admitted to a secret sexual relationship behind bars, sparking outrage and raising serious security concerns at HMP Five Wells.
Couple’s Guilty Plea at Northampton Crown Court
Alicia Novas, just 19, and inmate Declan Winkless, 30, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. Novas, a custody officer, handed Winkless her phone number and turned a blind eye to his possession of cannabis and mobile phones.
Winkless appeared via video link from HMP Swaleside to answer the charges. Their offences took place between August and December 2024 at the Northamptonshire prison.
Their guilty pleas highlight serious security weaknesses and the dangers of forbidden staff-inmate relationships, putting prison safety under the spotlight.
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View all Northampton Crown Court coverage
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