Jail scandal: Prison officer denies sex with inmates & drug plot

Court hears how a jail officer allegedly breached security, formed illicit bonds with inmates and joined a contraband and cash conspiracy spanning months.

A former prison officer accused of forming intimate relationships with inmates and smuggling drugs and tobacco into a jail has appeared before a Crown Court to deny a series of serious criminal charges.

Kayleigh Robson, 29, is alleged to have abused her position while employed at HMP Peterborough, a Category B privately run prison, over a period spanning several months during 2020 and 2021.

The prosecution allege that while acting as a public officer, Robson wilfully misconducted herself by engaging in inappropriate relationships with serving prisoners, conduct said to amount to a grave breach of public trust.

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The former officer appeared at Cambridge Crown Court where she formally denied one count of misconduct in a public office, as well as allegations relating to drug smuggling and money laundering.

It is alleged that between June 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021, Robson pursued personal relationships with inmates during her employment at the prison, conduct the prosecution say had no reasonable excuse or justification.

In addition, the court heard allegations that between July 23, 2020 and April 19, 2021, she conspired with others to smuggle cannabis and tobacco into the prison estate, breaching security measures designed to prevent contraband entering the jail.

Prosecutors further allege Robson became involved in a money laundering arrangement, said to have involved bank transfers linked to the supply of illegal items into custody.

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Robson, from Grantham in Lincolnshire, spoke only to confirm her identity and to enter not guilty pleas during the brief preliminary hearing.

She appeared alongside three male co-defendants, Adam Hussain, 28, Ashley Neal, 30, and Roy Shalliker, 67, who each denied conspiring to bring contraband into HMP Peterborough.

Hussain and Neal also entered not guilty pleas to allegations of money laundering connected to the same alleged conspiracy.

The court was told that two further defendants are expected to appear at later proceedings as the case progresses.

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All defendants were granted bail ahead of a two-week trial scheduled to take place at Huntingdon Crown Court in April 2027.

Addressing the defendants directly, Judge Philip Grey explained that the lengthy delay was a result of severe court listing pressures and an extensive backlog of cases requiring long trial fixtures.

He warned that failing to attend court for trial would constitute a criminal offence, could result in immediate arrest, and may lead to the proceedings continuing in a defendant’s absence.

The judge further cautioned that non-attendance could result in legal representation being withdrawn and the loss of the right to give evidence in defence.

The case is next due to be mentioned administratively before progressing towards trial, where the allegations of misconduct, conspiracy, and financial crime will be tested before a jury.