A WOMAN from Amesbury who worked as a prison tutor has been jailed after admitting to a sexual relationship with an inmate.

Kelly Duffey, 36, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court today (May 1) after pleading guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office.

The court heard that between July and September 2024, Duffey, who was working at HMP Erlestoke, entered into an intimate relationship with prisoner Ashley Goodridge, 38, formerly of London.

Following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), Duffey was handed a 12-month prison sentence.

During the enquiry, officers searched Goodridge’s cell and discovered a mobile phone he had been using to communicate with Duffey.

He admitted possessing and using the illicit device, resulting in his existing prison sentence being extended by a further 12 months.

SWROCU Counter Corruption Investigator PC Mark Paterson said: “The conduct displayed by Kelly Duffey will not be tolerated within a prison estate.

“She may not have been a prison Officer or directly employed by HMPPS, but she was in a position of trust as an education tutor, a key role in prisoner rehabilitation.

“She misconducted herself and neglected her duty over an extended period of time, which compromised the safety of other staff and inmates.

“The SWROCU Counter Corruption Unit will continue to work alongside HMPPS and the CPS to bring to justice anyone working within the prison estate who commits criminal acts.”

Andrew Eddy, of the Crown Prosecution Service, added: “Those working in prisons are trusted to uphold strict professional boundaries between themselves and inmates.

“Duffey’s actions amounted to a serious breach of that trust and fell well below the standards expected of prison staff.”