A longtime prison cashier broke down in tears as she was sentenced to jail for carrying on a secret sexual relationship with an inmate who later bragged about their affair.
Yolanda Briggs, 52, admitted to misconduct in a public office after her relationship with 48-year-old Allan Collins, a prisoner at HMP North Sea Camp men’s open prison in England, came to light. Briggs, who had worked in the prison system for 24 years, was sentenced to eight months behind bars.
The court heard that the pair had sex multiple times in the staff mess hall and even met up outside the prison while Collins was on day release. On one occasion, Briggs took him to her own home. Prosecutors said she was flattered by the inmate’s attention, which made her “feel wanted and alive.”
Their secret unraveled when Collins began boasting about the relationship to other prisoners, one of whom tipped off prison officials. Briggs immediately confessed when confronted by the deputy governor and resigned from her job.
Despite her arrest, Briggs has continued to support Collins, even sending him money, and the two reportedly plan to stay together once they are both free.
The judge told Briggs that her actions “undermined public trust in the prison system” and stressed there was “no excuse” for her behavior.
Collins, meanwhile, remains in prison serving an eight-year sentence for false imprisonment, theft, and prior violent offenses. He is due for a parole hearing later this year.
Briggs, who had no previous convictions, was described as remorseful and tearful throughout her sentencing hearing, where she admitted she had lost her job, her reputation, and many friends over the scandal.
The case has sparked outrage, with critics pointing to the breach of trust and the risks posed when prison staff cross professional boundaries.
Stupidity personified