Prison officer Charlotte Winstanley admits affair with violent inmate Jabhari Blair

A prison officer who developed a romantic relationship with a violent inmate is now facing imprisonment.

Charlotte Winstanley, 27, admitted misconduct in public office over the relationship with 29-year-old Jabhari Blair.

She smuggled contraband, including a mobile phone and SD cards, into HMP Lindholme in South Yorkshire during their three-month fling.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that the offense carries a maximum 10-year sentence.

Winstanley, of Stainforth, South Yorkshire, also admitted sending a photograph from inside the Category C prison in April last year.

Blair, who is serving a 12-year sentence for his involvement in a street fight, joined the hearing via video link from Lowdham Grange prison, near Nottingham.

He admitted possessing cannabis, a phone, and a USB stick.

When informed by Judge Meghan Rhys that he would be sentenced on December 3 – the day he turns 30 – he replied: ‘Thanks for the birthday present.’

Winstanley was granted bail until sentencing.

Her barrister, Khadim Al-Hassan, said she admitted the offenses and did not seek to ‘minimize her role’.

He stated: ‘She’s made a full and frank disclosure.’

Judge Rhys told the pair: ‘Jabhari Blair and Charlotte Winstanley, you’ve pleaded guilty to acceptable counts on the indictment.

‘You will therefore need to be sentenced. Sentencing will take place on December 3.

‘Charlotte Winstanley, you can remain on bail under the same terms as before but ensure you’re back in good time for sentencing on December 3.

‘A failure to do so may lead to your arrest.’

Several female prison guards have been dismissed in recent years for forming inappropriate relationships with inmates.

Earlier this year, Morgan Farr Varney admitted she had ‘properly fallen in love’ with the prisoner while working at HMP Lindholme in 2022.

A search of the inmate’s cell revealed love letters from the officer. Others were recovered from Farr Varney’s bedroom during a search of her home.

CCTV footage also showed the pair entering a cupboard and ‘loitering’ together on a wing during her employment at Lindholme.

Farr Varney pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office at Sheffield Crown Court last month and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.