A prison support worker who engaged in a romantic relationship with a drug dealer has been sentenced to six months in jail for her misconduct.
Heidi Bessant, aged 38, initiated a six-month affair with the individual while employed at HMP Leyhill, a category D open prison located in South Gloucestershire, in November 2023. During this time, they frequented restaurants and hotels on his day releases, and she even managed his financial transactions.
The court was informed that the affair concluded in June 2024 following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) due to suspicions surrounding Bessant, who held the position of a prison operational support grade. Investigators uncovered that she was involved with a prisoner serving a sentence for drug-related offenses and blackmail.
Witnesses revealed that the pair communicated through phone calls and text messages, with the inmate possessing a prohibited mobile phone. They also spent time together at various establishments during his day releases, as reported by Bristol Live.
On several occasions, Bessant reportedly picked up the inmate from the prison and returned him later the same day. Furthermore, she facilitated the transfer of funds into his prison account using his bank card details, which the court deemed as additional proof of their inappropriate relationship.
At Bristol Crown Court, Bessant, residing at Wyebank Rise in Chepstow, admitted to misconduct in a public office and was handed a six-month prison term.
PC Mark Paterson, an investigator at SWROCU, commented, “Bessant held a position that demanded responsible, respectable, and trustworthy behavior. Unfortunately, her actions constituted a severe breach of trust.
“SWROCU remains committed to collaborating with the HMPPS counter corruption unit and correctional facilities to ensure that employees engaging in criminal activities are brought to justice; such behavior will not be condoned – individuals will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.”
Opt for Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for timely access to news content that matters to you.
At Reach and across our entities , we and our partners utilize data obtained through cookies and other identifiers from your device to enhance your site experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized advertisements. You have the option to decline the sale or sharing of your data at any time by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please be aware that your preferences are specific to the browser used. Your use of our site and services signifies your consent to the utilization of cookies and agreement with the practices outlined in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.