Bridgend: Concerns over HMP Parc officer and inmate - court

Concerns were raised about a prison officer accused of having a sexual relationship with an inmate months before she was sacked, a court heard.

Ruth Shmylo met counter-corruption staff at Bridgend's HMP Parc in January 2021 amid fears about her relationship with Harri Pullen, the jury was told.

She is accused of having phone sex with Pullen and was dismissed when her probation period ended in April 2021.

Shmylo, 26, denies one count of misconduct in public office.

Head of security at Parc prison Daniel Hayman told Cardiff Crown Court that new officers such as Miss Shmylo had nine weeks of training, including how to deal with conditioning and manipulation from prisoners, and staff exploitation.

On 7 January 2021 Miss Shmylo was the subject of a "prevent" meeting with staff at the prison, five months after starting her role, after concerns were raised over her relationship with an inmate.

She was dismissed on 17 April when her probation period came to an end, following a meeting with Mr Hayman.

He said Harri Pullen, the prisoner with whom Miss Shmylo is accused of having an inappropriate relationship, had been transferred from HMP Parc to HMP Manchester on 26 May "at my direction".

Asked why he made this request, Mr Hayman responded: "He had been in an established relationship with, I believe, Miss Shmylo.

"Ongoing contact and communication could undermine Parc prison and put staff at risk or danger."

After Pullen was transferred, he requested for Miss Shmylo's phone number to be added to his approved list of callers, prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said.

Defence barrister Clare Wilks asked Mr Hayman whether he considered Pullen a potential high security risk, given his convictions for drugs offences and links to organised crime.

Pressed on the issue, he responded: "Yes he was."

The court heard Pullen had assaulted a fellow prisoner, that drugs had been found in his possession, and he had threatened self-harm.

Ms Wilks asked if Mr Hayman knew of grievances that Miss Shmylo had raised, including one case of her turning "whistle-blower" in an apparent case prison officers colluding with prisoners to spit in other inmates' food.

"She put her neck on the line?" asked Ms Wilks.

"Yes," said Mr Hayman, who added that he believed there were subsequent findings made against prison officers.

Ms Wilks then asked whether he was aware that Miss Shmylo herself had submitted an intelligence report which named Pullen and ended the note saying: "I'm happy to speak about this to anyone if needed."

Mr Hayman said he could not recall the specifics, but acknowledged that prison officers did sometimes "self-report".

Ms Wilks went on to suggest that Pullen, "a convicted drug dealer, member of an organised crime gang, is exactly the kind of person who would target a young, pretty 23-year-old probation officer?"

"Potentially," replied Mr Hayman, adding that Miss Shmylo was offered the opportunity to move, but declined.

The trial continues.