A prison officer, Heather Pinchbeck, has been accused of engaging in unauthorized phone communications with a violent inmate who had previously been convicted of severing a man’s leg in a vicious attack. Pinchbeck, 28, was responsible for overseeing the inmate but allegedly conducted secret calls with him, leading to charges of illegal mobile communication.
The alleged recipient of these calls, Joseph Hardy, 31, had been sentenced to 14 years in 2017 for causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The incident involved Hardy using a machete to attack an unarmed individual, resulting in severe injuries including the loss of a leg and a fractured skull.
The charges against Pinchbeck specify that the misconduct occurred at HMP Dovegate in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, during her employment there. Following the investigation, she left the Prison Service and transitioned to a role as a business management executive.
Pinchbeck, originally from Drakelow near Stoke-on-Trent, appeared in Birmingham Crown Court recently but has not yet entered a plea. Additionally, Hardy is facing charges related to unauthorized communications with a prison officer and possessing a phone in prison.
Presently, Pinchbeck works as a business management executive at MIH Group and has received positive feedback from her employer for her professional contributions. Her responsibilities include ISO compliance, governance, office management, and client support, demonstrating a commitment to business development and success.
Before Hardy was incarcerated, he carried out the brutal attack on his victim, causing severe injuries that required emergency medical attention. The victim suffered a leg amputation and a fractured skull as a result of the violent assault.
During sentencing, Judge David Stockdale QC condemned Hardy’s actions as a cowardly and sustained attack on a defenseless individual, highlighting the severity and brutality of the crime.
