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A former prison officer, Rebecca Pinckard, has been sentenced to 32 weeks in jail after footage from her body-worn camera revealed her engaging in a sexual act with an inmate. The incidents occurred inside a storage cupboard at HMP Highpoint near Haverhill, Suffolk, and were captured in two video clips filmed just minutes apart on July 5, 2024. Pinckard, 46, who hails from Six Mile Bottom in Cambridgeshire, had previously sent a “loving” Moonpig card to Erion Nakdi, the prisoner involved, who is serving a 16-year sentence for drug offenses. This case was heard at Cambridge Crown Court.
During the proceedings, prosecutor Gavin Burrell explained that the incriminating footage was discovered when another officer reviewed the body camera recordings. Judge Anthony Cartin highlighted that Pinckard’s misconduct only came to light due to what he described as a “clumsy mistake,” since her camera had been activated during the act. He emphasized that the offence was not isolated, stating: “The offence wasn’t a one-off – it went on for a number of months and the card was sent.” The judge also condemned Pinckard’s behavior for undermining confidence in the criminal justice system.
Further evidence revealed that videos showing Nakdi inside his cell were found on Pinckard’s phone. These videos, filmed within the prison, had been sent through social media messaging platforms. The prosecutor noted that the device used to shoot these recordings has never been recovered. Nakdi, who participated in the court via video link from prison, admitted to previously possessing a mobile phone illegally while incarcerated in early July 2024. For this violation, he received an additional 10-month prison term, to be served consecutively with his existing sentence of 16 years and three months for a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
During the defense, Pinckard’s lawyer, Juliet Donovan, described the situation as a “moment of madness,” emphasizing that there was no formal relationship between Pinckard and Nakdi. She explained that Pinckard had recently ended a long-term relationship after 19 years and was facing challenges in her personal life. Donovan also pointed out that the prisoner had confided in Pinckard about difficulties with his girlfriend, which prompted the officer to send a card meant to lift his spirits. The court heard Pinckard had previously received a warning in October 2023 due to being “over-familiar” with inmates, with her barrister suggesting her actions—such as giving cakes and sweets—were a naive attempt to improve prisoners’ wellbeing
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