Prison Guard Who Had a Baby With a Prisoner is Spared From Being Imprisoned

A prison guard who had a child with a convicted armed robber has avoided a jail sentence. Rachel Stanton, 31, admitted to misconduct in public office after engaging in a relationship with Edwin Poole while he was serving a 10-and-a-half-year sentence.

Their relationship was discovered when intimate photos and a love letter were found in Poole’s cell. CCTV footage also captured the pair alone in a prison storeroom. Despite being suspended and Poole transferred, Stanton continued to visit him, and they now share a child.

A court sentenced Stanton to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, acknowledging the seriousness of her offense but considering the consensual nature of the relationship.

The case highlights a broader issue within prisons, with multiple incidents of female guards developing inappropriate relationships with inmates. Experts point to a lack of adequate training for young, inexperienced staff, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation by prisoners. The issue has raised concerns about prison security and the potential for exploitation.