Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 28th March 2025, at 08:00hrs
A former prison officer who swapped guard duty for romantic rendezvous with an inmate has found herself on the receiving end of jail time, after a court heard how her “thrill-seeking” relationship led to serious misconduct.
Niamh Lloyd, 22, of Wigan, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, following her guilty plea to misconduct in a public office.
LHer illicit affair with Lee Makin, 40, an inmate at HMP Forest Bank, involved more than just stolen glances and whispered sweet nothings.
Detectives uncovered a web of inappropriate behaviour, including sexual conversations, the exchange of money, and the sharing of sensitive operational information.
Lloyd’s supervisors initially raised concerns in early 2022, noticing her flirtatious behaviour with prisoners, particularly Makin.
An investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) and HMPPS Counter Corruption Unit revealed that Makin had added Lloyd’s personal mobile number to his approved contact list.
Over 40 hours of recorded phone calls showcased the pair’s intimate exchanges, with Lloyd admitting her motivation was “thrill…because I don’t like doing what I’m told.”
The investigation uncovered that Lloyd continued to contact Makin even after being placed on police bail, using third parties and false names. She even went as far as hosting a party to celebrate being charged, with invitations featuring a woman in an orange jumpsuit behind bars.
Makin, who was later transferred to HMP Berwyn, was found with multiple photographs of Lloyd in his cell. He was released in July 2024 but was recalled for breaching his license conditions. He also received a 12-month sentence after pleading guilty to assisting/encouraging misconduct in a public office.
Detective Inspector Brian Morley from the NWROCU’s Prison Investigation Unit commented,
“This case highlights the serious consequences of corruption within the prison system. We will continue to work tirelessly with partner agencies and police forces across the region to root out such behaviour and ensure the integrity of our prisons.”
He added a message of reassurance to honest prison staff, emphasizing the commitment to taking action against corrupt individuals.
Lloyd, now swapping her uniform for prison garb, serves as a stark reminder that some thrills simply aren’t worth the cell time.
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 