A mental health counsellor working at Lancaster Farms prison has been jailed for 10 months on misconduct and drugs offences.
Carrie Yih, 47, of Rawcliffe Avenue, Bolton pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office, being concerned in the supply of Class C controlled drugs – anabolic steroids and concerned in the supply of Class C controlled drugs – Pregabalin tablets.
Yih was sentenced on Friday at Bolton Crown Court following an investigation led by the North West Regional Prison Anti-Corruption Unit (NWROCU).
The offences relate to Yih's conduct while working as a mental health counsellor at HMP Lancaster Farms, where she formed an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner.
Despite receiving counter-corruption training, Yih engaged in sexually explicit communications with the prisoner, both during and after his time in custody, and facilitated the supply of controlled drugs at his request.
On March 1 2023, NWROCU officers executed a search warrant at Yih’s home address.
She was arrested and found in possession of a bottle of suspected anabolic steroids, a blister pack of pregabalin tablets, syringes and needles, personal items belonging to the prisoner, including bank cards and a leisure resort booking form linked to a suspected weekend away with the prisoner.
Yih attempted to discard a carrier bag containing the prisoner's belongings into a neighbour’s garden as officers arrived.
"Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of breaching professional boundaries and facilitating criminal activity within a custodial setting," said Detective Inspector Brian Morley.
"Here at the NWROCU, we remain committed to identifying and disrupting corruption within the prison estate and safeguarding the integrity of public service roles."
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