A former prison officer at HMP Portland appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday (18 August) and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Aisha Golsby, age 23, of Trenchard Way in Weymouth, previously pleaded guilty to six offences committed between June 2021 and March 2022 whilst serving as a prison officer.

She was sentenced to 16 months for three offences: communicating with a serving prisoner using two different mobile phones and neglecting to report the prisoner was in possession of the phones. She also disclosed confidential information by alerting him to a cell search knowing he was in possession of the phones.

Golsby received a conditional discharge for three offences involving the purchase and consumption of Class A and B drugs – namely ketamine, cocaine and cannabis, whilst off duty.

The case was brought to court following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Mark Paterson, Corruption Investigator at SWROCU, said: “Aisha Golsby was in a position of trust, and she had a clear duty to report her association with a serving prisoner and that he was in possession of illicit mobile phones. Her conduct amounted to a serious breach of that trust by engaging in a high volume of communication with the prisoner including occasions whilst on duty.

“Golsby also alerted the prisoner that cell searches were taking place at the prison to avoid the devices being detected. Whilst off duty, she was involved in the sourcing and consumption of illegal substances, falling further below the expectations and standards of a serving prison officer.

“We will continue to support HMPPS with pursuing prison staff who engage in criminal conduct.”