PRESTON PROBATION OFFICER SENTENCED FOR RELATIONSHIP WITH PRISONER
A former probation officer who was in a relationship with a serving prisoner has received a suspended sentence for misconduct while working at HMP Preston.Leonie Wilkinson, 27, was responsible for engaging with prisoners during their initial days of custody and before release, offering support around housing, finances, and employment, and coordinating with community probation teams.
In April 2021, Wilkinson disclosed to her supervisor that she knew prisoner Gary Hampson and a family member, citing a family connection.
She claimed to have submitted a conflict of interest report, but records indicate she only disclosed a different connection to another inmate.
No formal disclosure was made regarding her relationship with Hampson and his relative.
In May 2021, intelligence reports surfaced about a corrupt probation officer smuggling contraband into HMP Preston.
Further investigations revealed Wilkinson was involved in a relationship with Hampson, continuing a prior relationship.
She had visited him in January 2018 and was previously listed as a friend of two other inmates.
These relationships were not disclosed in her vetting process in October 2022.
On June 27, 2021, a search of Hampson’s cell led to the seizure of a mobile phone, and analysis confirmed communications between Wilkinson and Hampson.
A staff search in July 2021 found further evidence linking her to Hampson, including a card sent online.
Phone analysis confirmed she communicated with him via calls, emails, and social media, including Snapchat.
Wilkinson started her role at HMP Preston in September 2020, after working in administration for a parole service contractor.
She failed to disclose conflicts of interest when applying for her role.
Wilkinson, of Preston, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for misconduct in a public office, unauthorized computer access, and encouraging the possession of a mobile device.
Hampson, 26, a serving inmate, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment to run consecutively, for encouraging misconduct in a public office and possessing an authorized mobile phone in prison.
Detective Inspector Brian Morley stated that Wilkinson’s conduct was a serious breach of trust, undermining the justice system, and posed a risk to prison security.
He emphasized her accountability and the commitment to high standards of integrity and safety in prisons.
