A former Prison Officer was charged with Misconduct in Public Office; the allegation was that the prison officer had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate. Ordinarily these offences are deemed extremely serious and are always dealt with by way of a substantial custodial sentence.

Harewood Law identified various aspects of the defendant’s life that needed to be factored in when deciding the ultimate sentence, an array of impressive references were obtained to support the submissions that were to be advanced. Lengthy legal submissions were made and various mitigating features were highlighted at the sentencing hearing.

The defendant avoided custody and was given a suspended sentence. Which is highly unusual in a case such as this which attracted much press attention.

Harewood Law instructed Mairi Clancy of Trinity Chambers.