Prison officer admits inappropriate relationship with inmate

Megan Breen, a 23 year old prison officer, has admitted misconduct in a public office and will be sentenced next month.

Prison Officer Admits Inappropriate Relationship with Inmate

Megan Breen, 23, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office after initially denying an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner while employed at HMP Usk and HMP Prescoed in Gwent, South Wales. The offence is alleged to have taken place between February and May 2022, and Breen now faces sentencing with a pre-sentence report ordered.

The court heard that Breen abused the public's trust by dating a prisoner. Breen, from Newport, was bailed and warned to expect possible jail time. The case notes that Breen worked at both the category C jail HMP Usk and the open prison HMP Prescoed. Earlier this year, other cases at Feltham and Wandsworth prison were reported as part of a broader pattern of staff offences involving inmates. Judge Carl Harrison ordered the pre-sentence report and indicated that all sentencing options remain open.

This case highlights how fragile trust is in the prison system. When a guard forms a relationship with a prisoner, safeguards fail and public confidence in the system is at stake. The incident also underscores the need for clear boundaries and stronger oversight in everyday work within crowded facilities.

Policy makers and prison leaders may feel pressure to review vetting, supervision, and training for staff. The outcome could influence discussions on staffing policies, reporting practices, and what resources are allotted to safeguard inmates and uphold public trust. The next steps in sentencing will reveal how far accountability travels in the system.

Highlights

Ongoing sentencing will show how the system answers this breach of duty.