Prison Guard Caught on Snapchat Engaging with Inmate in Uniform

A former prison officer, Alicia Novas, has been sentenced to three years in jail for engaging in misconduct while working at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough. Novas, 20, was found guilty of having sexual relations with 31-year-old inmate Declan Winkless, as well as smuggling contraband items including cannabis and mobile phones into the facility.

Details of the Case

The case unfolded in Northampton Crown Court, where Judge Rebecca Crane addressed the severe implications of Novas’s actions. It was revealed that two explicit videos of Novas in her prison uniform had been recorded by Winkless and subsequently shared on Snapchat.

• Defendants: Alicia Novas (20), Declan Winkless (31)
• Location: HMP Five Wells, Wellingborough
• Sentences: Novas – 3 years; Winkless – additional 3 years and 4 months
• Crime Period: August 1, 2024 – December 24, 2024

Involvement and Misconduct

The court heard that Novas had provided her personal phone number to Winkless, who was serving an 11-year sentence for conspiracy to commit burglary. Over their communications, which included nearly 3,000 text messages, Winkless encouraged and manipulated Novas, revealing a clear romantic interest.

In one instance, Winkless pressured Novas to uncover the identity of a prison informant, putting the informant’s safety at considerable risk. Judge Crane characterized Novas’s actions as reckless, stating that even an inexperienced officer should recognize the dangers surrounding such disclosures.

Impact of Misconduct

Judge Crane criticized Novas for not reporting the misconduct to authorities, emphasizing the negative impact on prison security. The judge noted the seriousness of exposing an informant and highlighted that such actions could lead to severe repercussions for both staff and inmates.

Winkless also received an extended sentence for his part in the offences, with his additional time served consecutively to his current sentence. Both defendants had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including unauthorized transmission of images and possession of contraband.

Conclusion

This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within prison systems and the profound consequences of misconduct among staff members. As the legal proceedings conclude, the focus remains on restoring trust and security in correctional facilities.