Former Prison Officer Receives Three-Year Sentence for Inappropriate Relationship with Inmate
A 20-year-old former prison officer has been sentenced to three years in jail after admitting to a sexual relationship with an older male inmate and smuggling cannabis into the facility. Alicia Novas, who worked at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, pleaded guilty to six offences, including misconduct in public office, during a hearing at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Details of the Offences and Court Proceedings
The court heard that Novas began her employment at the prison in July 2024, when she was just 18 years old. She became involved with inmate Declan Winkless, 31, who had arrived at HMP Five Wells the previous month. By November 6, 2024, the pair were in direct electronic communication after Novas provided Winkless with her personal phone number.
Their relationship turned sexual later that month, and they used additional phone numbers to maintain contact, exchanging messages, calls, and video calls. Prosecutor Matthew Rowcliffe revealed that there were 2,873 contacts between Novas and Winkless during the indictment period from August 2024 to March 2025.
Novas admitted to bringing cannabis and two mobile phones into the prison, as well as engaging in unauthorized communication within the facility. This included passing on the name of a prisoner informant, which Rowcliffe described as a serious breach of her responsibilities.
Arrest and Continued Contact
On December 23, 2024, Novas was arrested after a phone was seized from Winkless's cell. She was released on bail and resigned from her position three days later. However, she immediately resumed contact with Winkless, making approximately 400 further phone calls.
Judge Rebecca Crane, presiding over the case, noted that Novas failed to consider the seriousness of her actions and the potential impact on prison security and safety. You undermined the work of the prison, Crane stated, adding that Novas could have reported the matter to authorities but instead persisted in contact even after her arrest.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
Novas was sentenced to three years in jail and will serve half of that term before being released on licence. Addressing her age and inexperience, Judge Crane acknowledged that Novas was vulnerable to manipulation but emphasized her failure to seek assistance.
Declan Winkless, who has 16 previous convictions and is serving a separate sentence until April 2029, admitted to encouraging Novas to commit the offences. He pleaded guilty to two counts of encouraging misconduct in public office, unauthorized communication within the prison, using cannabis in prison, and unauthorized possession of communication devices.
Winkless received a sentence of three years and four months, which will run consecutively to his existing prison term. Judge Crane remarked that Winkless, being older and more experienced, used his position to manipulate Novas.
Both Novas and Winkless appeared at court via separate video links from HMP Peterborough, highlighting the ongoing nature of their incarceration.
