A prison educator has been sentenced to jail after admitting to engaging in a romantic relationship with a prisoner. Kelly Duffey, aged 36 and from Amesbury, Wiltshire, confessed at Winchester Crown Court to two counts of misconduct in a public office related to her involvement with inmate Ashley Goodridge at HMP Erlestoke. She received a 12-month prison term at Winchester Crown Court on Friday. Goodridge, a 38-year-old inmate serving a lengthy sentence for cannabis production, was also given a concurrent 12-month sentence after pleading guilty to possessing a phone and using it to send a photo from the category C men’s prison.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Duffey transitioned from full-time teaching to aid at the Wiltshire jail’s educational department in May 2024. She acknowledged having an “intimate relationship” with Goodridge from July to September 2024, involving kissing and one physical sexual encounter. Additionally, Duffey was aware of another prison staff member, a librarian, who was romantically involved with a different prisoner, exchanging messages like “I love you” along with photos.
In a message to a friend on August 20, Duffey admitted to wrongdoing by stating, “Definitely done something this morning I shouldn’t have.” She also shared details with her friend about conversations with the librarian regarding their affair, highlighting near incidents of getting caught and joking about it like schoolgirls.
Addressing Duffey in court, Judge Christopher Parker KC remarked that her infatuation seemed to overshadow her judgment, despite being aware of the risks and consequences of her actions. Although Duffey’s attachment to Goodridge appeared one-sided in hindsight, she expressed remorse and acknowledged her errors.
Regarding Goodridge, his barrister mentioned that he utilized his time in custody effectively by training in roofing and traffic management, preparing for gainful employment upon release. The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) expressed disapproval of Duffey’s conduct, emphasizing the importance of trust in positions like hers within the prison system and affirming their commitment to combating criminal activities within correctional facilities.