A former prison officer has admitted to unauthorized communication with a violent inmate serving time for a serious machete attack. Heather Pinchbeck, aged 28, confessed to engaging in misconduct by communicating with Joseph Hardy, 31, while she was employed as a guard at HMP Dovegate in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Hardy, convicted of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) in 2017, was involved in an incident that resulted in severe injuries to his victim.
Pinchbeck, the ex-prison officer, acknowledged the offense of misconduct in a public office during a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court. The misconduct occurred between February and March 2023 when she intentionally communicated with the prisoner using a mobile phone. The prosecution, led by Antonie Muller, indicated that a second charge might be addressed during the sentencing phase. Pinchbeck’s legal team requested a pre-sentencing report, which was granted by the judge for review before her sentencing scheduled for January 9, 2026.
Hardy faces charges related to illicit communications and possession of a mobile device while incarcerated. Pinchbeck, now employed at a public relations agency, had previously worked as a Prison Offender Manager within the HM Prison Service.
In the case leading to Hardy’s 14-year imprisonment in December 2017, the court heard about a confrontation between Hardy and the victim just before the violent attack. Hardy retrieved a machete from his vehicle and assaulted the man at a location on May 4, 2017. Medical responders found the victim with severe injuries, including a nearly severed leg and head lacerations.
The victim’s leg was almost completely detached at the scene, requiring amputation above the knee six days later. Additionally, a medical scan revealed a fractured skull suffered during the attack.
During sentencing, Judge David Stockdale QC condemned Hardy’s actions as both “brutal” and “cowardly,” emphasizing the victim’s vulnerability and the extent of the inflicted injuries.
