Daniel Hay, a 47-year-old 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 Stonehewer, who was serving time for arson and assault on police, joked to Hay 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 freedom on April 4, he contacted her on Instagram, expressing sadness at not seeing her daily and suggesting they go out. He offered to take her to Blackpool for the day to celebrate his upcoming birthday, to which she agreed.
The following day, Hay picked Stonehewer up, bought her alcohol, and they checked into a Premier Inn. They engaged in sexual activity, and despite Stonehewer's license conditions requiring her to stay at approved accommodation in Preston, Hay spent the night with her. He later provided her with £100 for shopping.
Stonehewer was recalled to prison after informing her probation worker about the illicit relationship. Hay was arrested upon his return to work.
Initially, Hay denied having sex with Stonehewer, claiming he had encountered her by chance and accusing her of attempted blackmail. However, confronted with hotel CCTV footage of them together and their messages, he changed his account.
Hay pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office. His defense stated that he was going through personal difficulties at the time, including a separation from his partner, and was "foolishly drawn in to boost his own self-esteem." It was also noted that Hay had prior convictions for dangerous driving and criminal damage from 2006.
At Chester Crown Court, Judge Steven Everett sentenced Hay to a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. The judge told Hay he had "succumbed to temptation" and that Stonehewer was a "vulnerable victim."