A jail psychologist has admitted to misconduct in public office for engaging in a sexual relationship with a convicted murderer at HMP Swinfen Hall. Dr. Amber-Renee Gayle, 32, also pleaded guilty to computer misuse and conspiring to bring contraband, including a mobile phone and SIM cards, into the prison.
The relationship with inmate Rickarlo Williams, 24, took place between May 1, 2024, and November 30, 2024. Gayle denied a further charge of conveying cannabis into the prison.
Williams, who is serving a minimum 25-year sentence for a 2020 murder, pleaded guilty to conspiring to bring a mobile phone and SIM cards into the prison and possessing a mobile phone on September 24, 2024. He also denied the cannabis smuggling charge.
Prosecutors have 14 days to decide whether to pursue the cannabis charge against both defendants. Gayle appeared at Birmingham Crown Court, with her barrister stating she was of previous good character. Her family was present in the public gallery.
HMP Swinfen Hall, a Category C training prison for young offenders, has faced scrutiny. An unannounced inspection in 2024 found drugs and other illicit items were easily accessible. At the time of that inspection, 130 of the 611 inmates were serving life sentences.