Prison boss Lauren Miller gave inmate lover special privileges - then 'intimidated staff into silence'

A prison manager at HMP Doncaster had a secret relationship with an inmate - then tried to intimidate her colleagues into silence.

Lauren Miller, 34, worked as a custodial manager after beginning her career as a prison officer in April 2021. As part of her job, she was responsible for managing around 300 inmates at the prison.

However, in early 2023, staff working with her noticed how she had become close to one inmate in particular. She had been seen in his cell and spent long periods of time in there with the prisoner.

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Later, the pair were regularly seen together in the lift. Suspicions began to grow, particularly when the inmate was given privileges other prisoners were not. Miller became aware of these suspicions and intimidated staff into silence, leaving them feeling unable to speak out.

When Miller resigned from her job on May 5, 2023, an investigation began into her relationship with the prisoner. Detective Sergeant Gareth Gent, who heads up the Prison Anti-Corruption Unit, said: "We established that Miller was in phone communication with the inmate where their relationship was discussed."

A compilation of CCTV footage was shown from inside the prison, which saw Miller leaving the inmate's cell after spending long periods with him. Miller, of May Close in Thurnscoe, was charged with misconduct in public office and pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court, on January 31, 2024. She was sentenced earlier today (April 2024) to nine months in prison.

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During the hearing, the judge said her conduct had been "deplorable and shameful". He described Miller as "corrupt" and "a disgrace".

DS Gent said: "Miller became embroiled in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate she had a duty of care towards in her role as custodial manager. When concerned colleagues raised suspicions, Miller forced them into silence and she went to desperate lengths to stop this relationship becoming public knowledge.

"Improper relationships between prison staff and inmates are rare and the overwhelming majority of employees in our prisons carry out their roles to the highest standards and levels of service.

"However, when any concerns about inappropriate relationships in prison establishments come to light, we will investigate them thoroughly as we will not allow this kind of behaviour to take place.

"I would like to thank staff at HMP Doncaster who have supported the Anti-Corruption Unit with our investigation and I hope this sentencing sends out a clear message to all prison employees engaging in improper behaviour.

"We will not stand for misconduct of this nature and we will take appropriate action to bring perpetrators to justice."