Prison nurse became “infatuated” with a male inmate

A court heard Kimberley Hinde acted like a “love sick teenager” around prisoner Lee Stephenson at HMP Wealstun, Thorp Arch, near Leeds.

Leeds Crown Court was told Hinde, 39, behaved in a way which could have led to her being blackmailed, placed others in danger or breached security.

Mum-of-two Hinde, of Park Rise, Castleford, was given a nine month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office.

Hinde had been an NHS-employed nurse but had been seconded to work at the jail in June 2013.

Staff reported how Hinde behaved “like a love sick teenager”, became “giddy” around Stephenson and would put on make up for him.

Hinde was said to be “over-familiar” with Stephenson and they would discuss inappropriate matters such as prison security searches.

Rumours began to go around about the pair among other inmates. On one occasion Hinde’s colleague was with Stephenson and she said: “Where are you taking my man?”

There was also an incident during which Hinde and Stephenson were on their own in a consultation room together. Hinde did not leave the room until 20 minutes after the consultation was due to end and appeared “flustered”.

Hinde was eventually suspended from duty in November 2013, three months after starting the relationship. Hinde no longer works for the NHS

Sentencing Hinde, judge Tom Bayliss, QC, said: “You became quite infatuated with him and allowed your heart to rule your head.”