A former prison officer who engaged in an intimate relationship with a convicted burglar and referred to herself as “his queen” has been jailed for 21 months.

Illegal Relationship Exposed

Katie Evans, 26, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court after admitting to misconduct in public office while working at HMP Doncaster.

Evans had a secret relationship with inmate Daniel Brownley, who was serving five-and-a-half years for burglary, attempted robbery, and handling stolen goods.

During the March to November 2020 period, she was found to have:

• Performed a sex act on Brownley inside the prison.
• Had 140 recorded phone conversations with him on a smuggled SIM card, including 39 calls in a single day.
• Boasted about collecting £1,000 for him, allegedly connected to cannabis deals.
• Shared confidential prison information with the inmate.

Judge: ‘A Serious Manifestation of Corruption’

Sentencing Evans, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC condemned her actions as a serious breach of trust that undermined public confidence in the prison system.

“There must be a prison sentence. Corrupt prison officers must be punished,” he said. “The public expects punishment for those who betray trust in the way that you did.”

The court heard that Evans had referred to herself as “your queen” in her conversations with Brownley.

Judge Richardson added: “It appears that you indulged in some forms of sexual activity in the prison. It has been described that there was one occasion when you had oral sex with him.”

Prison Officer Turned ‘Criminal Accomplice’

The court also heard that Evans had helped Brownley conduct activities inside prison, including handling money and discussing security arrangements.

“You shared information about the prisoner which he had no business knowing,” Judge Richardson said. “You communicated with him using a false name to camouflage your real identity.

Evans Weeps as Sentence is Reduced

Evans, a mother-of-one, sobbed as the judge reduced her two-year sentence to 21 months, citing her young daughter as an act of mercy.

Her defence barrister, Edward Moss, argued that she had been manipulated by Brownley and was “immature and vulnerable” at the time of the offences.

Judge Richardson acknowledged that prison would be especially difficult for Evans as a former officer, but insisted her misconduct required serious punishment.

Evans will now serve her 21-month sentence behind bars, marking the end of a scandal that has rocked HMP Doncaster.