A 19-year-old prison officer and a 30-year-old inmate have admitted to a secret sex scandal behind bars at HMP Five Wells, sparking outrage and major security alarms.
Young Officer and Inmate Caught in Shocking Scandal
Alicia Novas, just 19, and inmate Declan Winkless, 30, both pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court to misconduct in public office. Novas, a custody officer, handed Winkless her phone number and ignored his possession of cannabis and mobile phones — a serious breach of prison rules.
Winkless appeared via video link from HMP Swaleside. Their illicit activities ran from August to December 2024 inside the Northamptonshire prison.
Serious Charges Laid Bare
- Both admitted to misconduct on a charge dated November 23, 2024.
- Novas “wilfully misconducted” herself, betraying public trust.
- Winkless actively assisted and encouraged the breaches.
- The duo unlawfully transmitted images and sounds from inside prison.
- They smuggled cannabis and two mobile phones into the Category C facility near Wellingborough.
- They also pleaded guilty to sending unauthorised images linked to HMP Peterborough between December 2024 and March 2025.
- Winkless admitted possessing a SIM card device without permission on December 22, 2024.
Public Trust Shattered – Prison Security in Crisis
Novas’s shocking conduct revealed a catastrophic betrayal of duty and trust. Winkless, from South Wigston, Leicestershire, was no bystander — he actively helped the scandal unfold.
Their guilty pleas expose huge security flaws at HMP Five Wells and underline the risks of forbidden staff-inmate relationships. Prison safety is now under the microscope like never before.
