A 23-year-old British prison officer could face a prison term herself after admitting to having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate while working at two facilities in South Wales.
Megan Breen appeared in court in Newport, where she confessed to misconduct in a public office between February and May 2022, the Telegraph reported.
The court heard that the relationship took place while she was employed at HMP Usk and HMP Prescoed, though it has not been confirmed at which prison the incidents occurred.
Prosecutors said Breen initially denied the allegations but later admitted to the affair. The identity of the prisoner involved has not been made public.
The charge sheet stated: “While acting as a public officer, namely a prison officer, willfully and without reasonable excuse or justification, [you] misconducted yourself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder by having a relationship with a prisoner.”
HMP Usk is a category C prison that houses a range of offenders, including those convicted of sexual offences, while HMP Prescoed is a nearby open prison with minimum security.
The court heard that the relationship spanned both locations, but the specific setting of the misconduct has not been disclosed.
Judge Carl Harrison released Breen on bail ahead of sentencing next month, warning that “all sentencing options” remain open, including a custodial term. Under UK law, misconduct in a public office carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, although sentences typically range much lower depending on the case.
The incident makes Breen the latest in a series of prison officers across the UK to face charges over inappropriate relationships with inmates.
Ministry of Justice figures show that at least 19 prison staff members were prosecuted for similar offences between 2023 and 2024.
Some of those convicted were found to have engaged in sexual activity with prisoners or transferred money on their behalf. Sentences for those offences have ranged from 12 to 21 months in custody, according to the Mirror.
The Ministry of Justice has previously described such behaviour as “completely unacceptable” and warned that officers who abuse their position will face both dismissal and criminal prosecution.
