A prison officer, Megann Gibson, has been sentenced to 12 months in jail for engaging in a prohibited relationship with an inmate named Ryan Horan. Gibson, a rookie guard at Wealstun Prison in West Yorkshire, exchanged explicit love letters and participated in intimate late-night phone conversations with Horan, a member of an organized crime gang serving an indefinite sentence.
During the trial at Leeds Crown Court, it was revealed that Gibson and Horan discussed marriage, children, and their future together after his release from prison. The court heard that the nature of their conversations was highly sexual and explicit, lasting up to an hour at a time. Additionally, Horan wrote sexually explicit letters to Gibson, which were found in her possession upon her arrest.
Gibson’s misconduct came to light after she triggered 102 anti-corruption intelligence reports within her first five months at the prison. Apart from her involvement with Horan, she was suspected of inappropriate relations with other inmates, including Michael Holt and two armed robbers, Sery Tokro and Wayne Coleman.
Despite no evidence of smuggling contraband, Gibson admitted to misconduct in a public office and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Judge Kate Rayfield emphasized that Gibson’s breach of trust as a prison officer warranted immediate custody to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure adherence to rules and boundaries. Gibson expressed genuine remorse for her actions and acknowledged the impact of her behavior.