A prison officer wept in the dock today as she admitted having an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a male inmate and smuggling in codeine.
Kelsey Calvert engaged in the illicit affair while working at HMP Holme House, a category C men’s prison in Stockton, in 2022.
The 28-year-old defendant also admitted taking the opiate painkiller codeine into the prison in November 2022.
Calvert wept in the dock while confirming her name, date of birth and address.
She pleaded guilty to misconduct in a judicial or public office and conveying a list A article into or out of prison.
Jordan Parkinson, defending, and Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, spoke only to confirm the case would be adjourned while a pre-sentence report is prepared.
Judge Richard Bennett warned Calvert that the ‘likelihood’ is that she will receive a prison sentence but granted her bail until the next hearing.
The judge told her: ‘You have pleaded guilty to these offences. You will be entitled to full credit.
‘That sentence will take place on October 4.’
After an earlier hearing last month, Calvert left court draping a black jacket around her face to shield her identity, but strangely wore no shoes and walked across the pavement barefooted.
Her first offence states: ‘On and before November 22, 2022 at Cleveland while acting as a public officer, namely prison staff, wilfully and without reasonable excuse or justification misconducted yourself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder by having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.’
The second count says: ‘Prior to November 22, 2022 at Cleveland without authorisation brought, threw or otherwise conveyed a substance, namely Codeine which was specified by section 40A(2) of the Prison Act 1952, into or out of his majesty’s prison situated at Holme House, Stockton.’
Calvert, of Sunderland, will appear at Teesside Crown Court for sentence on October 4.