MICHAELA CRAWFORD – BISHOP AUCKLAND, COUNTY DURHAM

Prison officer who had secret relationship with inmate avoids jail as further blackmail claims emerge

A former prison officer who admitted having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at HMP Deerbolt has avoided jail — but further messages and screenshots sent to the page suggest the scandal went far beyond what was heard in court.

Michaela Crawford, 34, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was handed a suspended sentence after admitting misconduct in a public office following a relationship with prisoner Carl Catleugh.

Durham Crown Court heard Crawford exchanged flirty Snapchat messages and photographs with Catleugh after allowing him access to an illicit mobile phone inside prison. Messages between the pair discussed meeting up once he was released, with the inmate reportedly buying her heels and perfume while still behind bars.

The relationship came to light after prison staff discovered Catleugh’s phone during a cell search in August 2024. Prosecutors said the device contained conversations, selfies taken inside prison and evidence of ongoing contact between the inmate and Crawford while she was still employed as a prison officer.

Court documents showed Crawford was fully aware she risked losing her job and potentially facing prison if the relationship was discovered. Despite this, the communication continued for months.

Although the judge described the case as a serious breach of trust, Crawford escaped immediate custody and instead received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months due to being the sole carer of her young son.

However, further screenshots, messages and information seen paint a much darker picture behind the scenes.

Messages linked to Crawford show demands for money, threats to expose private information and warnings that evidence would be sent to police and prison authorities unless payments were made.

One message states:

“Tell him I want a year’s salary or the letter is posted Saturday morning with everything I know.”

Another says:

“If he wants to ruin my life there’s a cost.”

Further screenshots show repeated threats involving letters being sent into the prison, references to exposing information to authorities and attempts to pressure people connected to the inmate.

Evidence seen also includes court paperwork linking Crawford’s contact number to the investigation, alongside screenshots of messages sent from accounts connected to her.

Additional messages show ongoing harassment and intimidation towards another woman connected to the inmate, including references to exposing information, causing problems within relationships and threatening consequences if demands were not met.

The case has sparked renewed concerns about corruption and inappropriate relationships inside UK prisons, where officers are trusted to maintain safety and security — not become personally involved with inmates.

Contraband phones inside prisons are considered a major security risk and are frequently linked to organised crime, intimidation, blackmail, drug dealing and manipulation both inside and outside prison walls.

The scandal also comes amid growing concerns over the number of prison officers entering inappropriate relationships with inmates across the UK. Reports suggest dozens of officers have faced disciplinary action, criminal investigations or convictions in recent years for misconduct involving prisoners.

While Crawford’s misconduct case is a matter of public record through the courts, the further screenshots and claims shared were submitted by individuals connected to the situation.