A prison educator has been sentenced to jail after admitting to engaging in a romantic relationship with an incarcerated individual.
Kelly Duffey, a 36-year-old from Amesbury, Wiltshire, confessed to two counts of misconduct in a public office linked to her involvement with Ashley Goodridge at HMP Erlestoke. She received a 12-month prison term at Winchester Crown Court on Friday.
Goodridge, a 38-year-old inmate serving an extended sentence for cannabis cultivation, also received a concurrent 12-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to possessing and using a phone to send a photo from the men’s prison.
During the trial, it was revealed that Duffey transitioned from full-time teaching to working in the education department at the Wiltshire prison in May 2024. She acknowledged having an “intimate relationship” with Goodridge from July to September 2024, which included kissing and one instance of physical intimacy.
Furthermore, it came to light that Duffey was aware of another staff member, a librarian, who engaged in a romantic relationship with a different inmate. The court heard about exchanged messages expressing affection like “I love you” and the sharing of photos.
In a message to a friend, Duffey admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior on August 20, stating, “Definitely done something this morning I shouldn’t have.” She also disclosed conversations with the librarian about their relationships and the risks involved.
Addressing Duffey in court, Judge Christopher Parker KC remarked that her actions seemed to stem from a misguided infatuation. He pointed out that despite knowing the risks and consequences, Duffey did not breach security protocols or smuggle contraband into the prison.
The judge noted that Duffey’s attachment to Goodridge appeared one-sided in hindsight but acknowledged her remorse and candid acknowledgment of her mistakes.
In Goodridge’s defense, his lawyer highlighted his positive progress during his incarceration, including obtaining qualifications in roofing and traffic management, preparing him for gainful employment upon release.
Following the sentencing, Pc Mark Paterson from the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit emphasized zero tolerance for such behavior within the prison system. He underscored the importance of trust in roles like education tutors for prisoner rehabilitation and affirmed ongoing collaboration to address criminal activities within correctional facilities.
