Daniel Hay, 47, a former prison officer at the women's-only Styal jail in Cheshire, began communicating with inmate Sophie Stonehewer on Valentine's Day in 2024. The court heard that their interaction started when Stonehewer, who was serving time for assault on police and had a history of arson, asked Hay about his Valentine's Day plans. Hay, who was guarding her at the time, responded that he would be alone. Stonehewer then joked that she was an adult worker and could offer him "mates' rates" upon her release.
As Stonehewer's release date approached, Hay booked time off work. Within hours of her release on April 4, Hay contacted her via Instagram, expressing that he would miss seeing her. He suggested they go out and, noting his upcoming birthday, asked if he could take her to Blackpool for the day. Stonehewer agreed, and the two exchanged phone numbers, using pseudonyms.
The following day, Hay picked Stonehewer up, bought her alcohol, and they checked into a Premier Inn. The court was told they engaged in sexual activity. Despite Stonehewer's license conditions requiring her to stay at approved accommodation in Preston, Hay spent the night with her. He later gave her £100 for clothing.
Stonehewer was recalled to prison after disclosing the relationship to her probation worker. Hay was arrested upon his return to work. Initially, he denied the relationship and claimed he had encountered Stonehewer by chance, even accusing her of attempting to blackmail him. However, confronted with CCTV evidence of them together and their exchanged messages, Hay altered his account.
Hay, who lost his job as a prison officer and is now working as a lorry driver, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office. It was noted that he had secured the prison officer position despite previous convictions for dangerous driving and criminal damage. Chester Crown Court heard that Stonehewer was considered a vulnerable individual due to a difficult personal history, including multiple periods of incarceration.
Hay's defense stated that he was experiencing personal difficulties at the time, including a separation from his partner, and was "foolishly drawn in to boost his own self-esteem." He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work. The judge acknowledged that Hay had "succumbed to temptation" but opted not to impose immediate jail time.