Locations
Colman Avenue, South Shields, Tyne And Wear, NE34
Description
A prison officer who demanded sexual favours from female inmates in return for privileges has been jailed for six years and nine months.
David Whitfield took advantage of 12 women over a five year period at HMP Low Newton, in Durham, BBC reports.
The jail is the North East's only all women prison.
Following a three-week trial at Teesside Crown Court, the 36-year-old, of Colman Avenue in South Shields, was found guilty of misconduct in a public office.
Whitfield was cleared of a charge of sexual assault on a prisoner.
Prosecutor Anne Richardson said Whitfield would enter one prisoner's cell while she was naked and brush up against her, the BBC reports.
The jury was also told the pair regularly engaged in sexual acts - although it did not progress to intercourse - and in return the prisoner would be given advanced warning of cell searches and confiscated items would be given back to her.
The trial heard Whitfield, who no longer works for the prison service, would also watch inmates through their cell hatch and indicate he wanted them to undress.
Many of the inmates were described as vulnerable having previously suffered abuse.
Recorder David Gordon sentenced him to six years and nine months in jail.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “The vast majority of our staff carry out their duties to the highest standard and we will not hesitate to punish any individual that breaks the rules.”