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A FORMER prison officer has admitted to making unauthorized calls to an inmate who was involved in a machete attack that resulted in a man's leg being severed.
Heather Pinchbeck, 28, made these secret calls while employed at HMP Dovegate in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.
Heather Pinchbeck appeared at Birmingham Crown Court today
Joseph Hardy was imprisoned for a machete attackCredit: Police Handout
She is accused of communicating with Joseph Hardy, 31, who was sentenced to 14 years in 2017 for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He violently attacked an unarmed individual with a machete, resulting in the victim losing a leg.
Pinchbeck appeared in court today where she pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office.
The charge alleges that she “wilfully misconducted herself by communicating with a prisoner using an illicit device, specifically a mobile phone” while serving as a public officer.
Pinchbeck committed the offense between February 15, 2023, and March 4, 2023.
Prosecutor Antonie Muller, who appeared via video link, did not provide specific details regarding the case.
He mentioned that a second and similar charge would either be addressed during sentencing or left on file.
Pinchbeck’s attorney requested a pre-sentencing report, which the judge approved.
She was granted conditional bail pending sentencing on January 9 next year.
At the time of the alleged offenses, Pinchbeck was employed at the Category B prison.
Hardy is also charged with making unauthorized communications with an officer and possessing a phone while in prison.
Pinchbeck is currently working for a public relations agency.
The graduate with a business administration diploma is noted for having “spent her early career working for HM Prison Service as a Prison Offender Manager.”
Pinchbeck is scheduled for sentencing in January
What was Heather Pinchbeck accused of?
She was accused of making illicit phone calls to an inmate while working as a prison officer.
What was the outcome of her court appearance?
Heather Pinchbeck pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office and is scheduled for sentencing on January 9 of next year.
What is the background of Heather Pinchbeck?
She is a graduate with a business administration diploma and has previously worked as a Prison Offender Manager for HM Prison Service.
