A prison officer allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with an inmate after providing him with her phone number. Alicia Novas, 19, and Declan Winkless, 30, made separate appearances at Northampton Magistrates’ Court. They were jointly charged with misconduct in public office at HMP Five Wells from August to December last year.
Novas is accused of breaching the public’s trust by sharing her phone number with Winkless, not reporting his possession of a phone and cannabis, and having a sexual relationship with him. Another charge alleges that Novas shared information about Winkless with prison authorities. Winkless is said to have encouraged and assisted in these offenses.
The defendants also face charges related to illegal electronic transmissions, bringing cannabis and mobile phones into HMP Five Wells. Additionally, a charge of making an illegal electronic transmission of an image at HMP Peterborough during December 2024 to March this year is included. Winkless faces an extra charge of possessing a mobile phone with a sim card at Five Wells without authorization.
Both defendants did not enter a plea and were scheduled to appear at Northampton Crown Court on December 1. Novas, from Raunds, Northamptonshire, was granted bail with conditions prohibiting contact with Winkless, any serving HMP prisoner, or visiting any prison without prior approval.
