Corrupted Prison Officer Sentenced
March 10, 2026 at 7:26 pm,
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We are sorry to inform that once again one of us has been sentenced for corruption, betraying colleagues and letting down the whole service. Stories like this are never easy to post. We know there are many women working across our service who carry out their duties with professionalism and pride every single day. They represent the very best of what the job stands for, and cases like this should never define them.
But we also believe that sharing cases like this is a form of justice — not because of the length of the sentence, but because it allows everyone to see clearly what happens when someone betrays the trust placed in them.
This case involves 29-year-old Zoe Oldham, a prison officer who worked at HMP Risley near Warrington. Oldham had been working at the prison for around five years when she began an inappropriate relationship with a serving prisoner, Lewis Smith, in 2023.
The relationship continued for several months and involved extensive contact between the pair. Investigators later discovered that Oldham had sent the inmate naked photographs and videos of sexual acts.
The situation eventually came to light after staff noticed changes in behaviour and intelligence suggested the inmate had become overly protective of the officer, even assaulting other prisoners who he believed had disrespected her. A search of his cell uncovered a mobile phone hidden inside a sock, and more than 1,000 messages between the pair were discovered, revealing the true nature of their relationship.
Oldham later admitted misconduct in a public office. When sentencing her at Liverpool Crown Court, the judge stated that she knew such behaviour undermines prison discipline and damages trust within the service and among colleagues. She was sentenced to eight months in prison for her actions.
And perhaps that is the hardest part of stories like this. This is not just another news article.
You are looking at someone who once wore the same uniform, worked alongside colleagues, and was trusted to uphold the standards of our profession.
Someone who was once part of our family — and who today sits on the other side of the bars as a prisoner.
UKPS Network Team