Overview
- Monika Richards, 46, from Okehampton, was sentenced to 14 months on Tuesday at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to misconduct in public office and being concerned in the supply of a Class C drug.
- Investigators found that while working at HMP Exeter she failed to report a prisoner’s illicit mobile phone and had been in contact with him on the device.
- Officers searching the inmate’s cell discovered two small phones hidden inside, and call records showed two-way contact between one handset and Richards.
- Examination of her devices showed she supplied diazepam, a Class C controlled sedative in the UK, to associates outside the prison.
- SWROCU corruption investigator PC Mark Paterson said she knew her duty to report such phones and warned that hidden handsets let prisoners continue crimes and leave staff open to blackmail.