A 19-year-old British prison guard who engaged in a three-month relationship with an inmate serving time for a fatal hit-and-run has avoided jail time. Samantha Stowell pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office.
Stowell, now 23, sent explicit pictures and videos of herself in her underwear to Conor Dobson, an inmate at HMP Manchester. She also engaged in video calls with him and exchanged romantic messages, referring to herself as "his princess." The relationship occurred between March 2022 and August 2023.
Judge Patrick Field handed Stowell a six-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, citing her age at the time as a significant mitigating factor. "I will leave it to others to question how it was that a 19-year-old girl is sent into Manchester Prison — into the lion's den," the judge stated during sentencing.
During the relationship, Stowell received cash from Dobson through a relative, including approximately $700 for a "dinner date," over $300 for jewelry, and more than $250 for a hair appointment. Stowell admitted to police that she had "been stupid and didn't want to go prison." She also noted that she "appreciated" Dobson's attention following a breakup with a previous boyfriend.
Stowell was terminated from her position in August 2023 after failing to return to work. Her defense attorney stated she was "mortified, embarrassed and full of regret."
In addition to the suspended sentence, Stowell was ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation days, perform 250 hours of community service, and pay nearly $350 in court costs.