Two former prison officers at Buckley Hall Prison in the UK have been sentenced to jail for engaging in illicit affairs with inmates, specifically brothers involved in a multi-million pound drug operation. Jai Gascoyne, 25, and Elle Walton, 27, both friends outside of work, formed romantic relationships with Dil Nawaz, 30, and his brother Haq Nawaz, 32, respectively.
The relationships, which began in January 2024, involved hundreds of exchanged messages, gifts, and jewelry bearing each other's initials. Gascoyne declared her love for Dil Nawaz and discussed intimate details, while Walton also developed a serious relationship with Haq Nawaz. Both officers were aware of each other's inappropriate conduct and supported each other, according to prosecutors.
Investigation and Sentencing
An investigation was launched after prison anti-corruption officials received intelligence. Gascoyne was stopped during a staff behavior detection operation and found to be wearing necklaces with unclear origins, one possibly engraved with Dil Nawaz's initial and another with Arabic script believed to be an Islamic prayer for protection. Searches of the inmates' cells revealed jewelry with matching initials, Valentine's cards, and a ring.
Gascoyne was sentenced to 16 months in prison after admitting two counts of misconduct in public office. The judge noted her case was more serious as she appeared to have had inappropriate contact with three prisoners. Walton received a 13-month sentence for one count of misconduct in public office. The judge stated that the seriousness of their offenses "strikes at the heart of the public faith in the prison system" and that deterrent sentences were necessary.
Brothers' Convictions and Context
Dil and Haq Nawaz were involved in a large-scale drug operation. In September 2023, they were each handed lengthy sentences for heading an organized crime group that distributed between £2.15 million and £3.1 million worth of crack cocaine and heroin over a 12-month period. Their operation involved an extensive network of dealers and exploited juveniles. The brothers also pleaded guilty to encouraging misconduct in public office and possessing mobile phones in prison.
During court proceedings, the defense for Walton stated her relationship had not been sexual and she expressed deep remorse, citing her previous good character and caregiving responsibilities. Gascoyne's defense highlighted her youth at the time of the offenses and her genuine remorse. The Nawaz brothers' defense claimed they sought companionship due to mental health deterioration and isolation, and that they did not enlist the officers to smuggle items into prison.