Michaela Crawford, of County Durham, narrowly dodged prison time after it was discovered she’d been planning an illicit affair with inmate Carl Catleugh at HMP Deerbolt
A female prison officer who allowed an inmate a secret mobile phone so they could exchange racy conversations has narrowly avoided jail.
Michaela Crawford, 34, also promised prisoner Carl Catleugh at HMP Deerbolt that she’d wear heels that he’d bought her on their first date. The pair became besotted with each other and would frequently exchange messages via Snapchat, where they discussed getting together once Catleugh had finished his first term inside.
Catleugh told Crawford, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, he had “done some shopping” and had purchased his would-be prison guard lover some heels and perfume he wanted her to wear on their first date.
Catleugh said: “I obviously really like you in case I had not made that clear. I have bought you heels and perfume to wear on that date I am taking you on. I think we could make it work.”
Crawford replied: “I know, I want to wear those heels and save that perfume for our first date.”
Mum-of-one Crawford has now narrowly escaped custody as a judge told her: “You put your romantic interest in a criminal above your job.”
Prosecutor Mahdev Singh Sachdev told Durham Crown Court that Catleugh’s phone was discovered in a search of his cell in August 2024.
Mr Sachdev said: “It is clear the defendant was aware of the consequences of knowing he had a mobile phone and not reporting it. The two of them exchange messages in which she acknowledges she could go to jail if it were discovered.”
Last year Catleugh received an eight-month suspended sentence for illegally possessing a mobile phone whilst in the category C jail.
Crawford left the prison service after the phone was found and now runs her own business as a beautician.
Chris Baker, mitigating, said: “She has left the prison service and has been assessed as at low risk of reoffending.
“It is clear from her references that she is a person who can command a great deal of respect in the community. The depression and anxiety she had suffered has alleviated to some extent since leaving the prison service.
“It is right to say that this offending was a breach of trust but it was over a relatively short period of time.”
Crawford wept in the dock as Recorder Mark McKone, KC, said he had to bear in mind that she was the sole carer for her young son and consider the youngster’s welfare when sentencing her.