A 20-year-old former prison officer named Alicia Novas has been sentenced to three years in prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with inmate Declan Winkless, 31. The illicit activities, which occurred over a four-month period at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, North Northamptonshire, involved Novas smuggling cannabis and two phones into the prison. Winkless, who is already serving an 11-year and three-month sentence for other crimes, received a three-year and four-month sentence for his involvement in the offenses.
During the trial at Northampton Crown Court, it was revealed that Novas had exchanged nearly 3,000 messages with Winkless and had provided her personal phone number to him. The court also heard that Winkless had used four unauthorized devices and shared videos of Novas engaging in sexual activities while wearing her prison uniform on social media.
Novas pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in a public office between August 1 and December 24, 2024, while Winkless admitted to encouraging and assisting her in these offenses. Both individuals also confessed to conveying prohibited items into the prison, including cannabis and two mobile phones, as well as transmitting unauthorized images or sounds from within the facility.
Furthermore, Winkless was found guilty of possessing a phone with a SIM card in prison without authorization. The court noted that Winkless had shown romantic interest in Novas, offering her expensive gifts, and their relationship had turned sexual by November 16, 2024.
The judge criticized Novas for her actions, describing her as naive and immature. Despite her age and lack of experience, the judge emphasized that Novas could have sought help from prison authorities instead of continuing the illicit relationship with Winkless. The court highlighted the serious security implications of their actions, especially in jeopardizing the safety of staff and other inmates within the prison.
Both defendants appeared in court via video link from HMP Peterborough for sentencing. Novas, who had been on conditional bail, was remanded into custody after pleading guilty to the charges.