A 36-year-old female prison tutor, Kelly Duffey, has been charged with engaging in an “intimate relationship” with an inmate, Ashley Goodridge, during her employment at HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire. The alleged affair reportedly lasted four months, beginning on May 20, 2024, and concluding when they were discovered on September 5, 2024.
Duffey’s case was presented in court on January 9, 2025, at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court. She faces two counts related to her relationship with Goodridge, including “entering and engaging in an intimate relationship with a prisoner” and “failing to notify the Prison Authorities of your knowledge of an inappropriate relationship between a member of prison staff and a prisoner.” In addition, Goodridge is charged with possessing a mobile phone to facilitate contact with Duffey while incarcerated.
The prosecution, led by Roxanne Cole, argued that the couple’s communication was clandestine and violated prison regulations. Cole stated, “The crown says it is inextricably linked, intimately related, so the matters should go to the crown court for a hearing.” The court was informed that Goodridge had used a phone to send messages to Duffey, indicating the depth of their alleged relationship.
Goodridge was transferred to HMP Coldingley in Surrey following the discovery of the affair to prevent further contact. He appeared in court via videolink, while Duffey was present in person. During the hearing, Chief Magistrate Paul Robinson advised Duffey to avoid any actions that could lead to further offenses.
Both Duffey and Goodridge have been granted unconditional bail following the hearing. However, for Goodridge, this is a technicality, as he remains in custody. The proceedings are set to continue, with both parties scheduled to appear at Salisbury Crown Court on February 6, 2025, for a second hearing.
The case underscores the complexities of maintaining professional boundaries within correctional facilities, particularly regarding relationships between staff and inmates. It raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms designed to prevent such situations from arising in the first place.
