A former HMP Doncaster prison officer has been jailed after engaging in an illicit relationship with an inmate, making over 140 secret phone calls and boasting about performing oral on him.
Katie Evans Sentenced to 21 Months
Katie Evans, 26, was sentenced to 21 months in prison at Sheffield Crown Court, after admitting to misconduct in a public office. The judge condemned her actions, stating she had been “manipulated by an experienced criminal” but emphasised that her immaturity was no excuse.
‘Your Queen’ and Secret Conversations
Evans, a mum-of-one, referred to herself as “your Queen” when speaking to prisoner Daniel Brownley. She exchanged dozens of calls per day, including a 49-minute-long conversation. She also moved money between accounts on Brownley’s behalf and provided him with confidential prison records.
Prosecutor Matthew Burdon told the court that Evans had 39 calls with Brownley in a single day, revealing a deep level of involvement.
Judge: ‘Terrible Situation’ for a Former Officer
Sentencing on Tuesday, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said:
“It is truly a terrible situation for a judge to be passing sentence on a former prison officer who has been branded a corrupt prison officer.”
The judge acknowledged Evans’ remorse and personal struggles, reducing her sentence out of mercy to consider the impact on her young daughter and the risks she faces as a former officer behind bars.
‘Ashamed of Her Behaviour’
Defence lawyer Edward Moss argued that Evans was “immature and vulnerable” at the time, having started work at HMP Doncaster at 21 years old. He stated:
“This is a young lady who is absolutely ashamed of her behaviour.”
Prisoner at Centre of the Scandal
Daniel Brownley, the inmate Evans became involved with, was serving time for attempted robbery, burglary, and handling stolen goods. Originally jailed for five-and-a-half years in 2016, he was later recalled in 2020 for breaching licence conditions.
Corruption in Prisons Under Scrutiny
The case highlights ongoing concerns over corruption in UK prisons, particularly when officers form inappropriate relationships with inmates. Judge Richardson noted the current challenges facing the prison system, but insisted that “only an immediate sentence of imprisonment is appropriate in this case.”
As Evans waved to her family while being led from the dock, the case serves as a stark warning on the consequences of prison officer corruption.
