A prison officer, identified as Heather Pinchbeck, has been accused of engaging in unauthorized phone conversations with a violent inmate who is serving time for a vicious attack that resulted in the severing of a man’s leg. Pinchbeck, 28, was responsible for overseeing the prisoner but allegedly participated in undisclosed calls with him. The charges against her involve illegal mobile communication with Joseph Hardy, 31, who was sentenced to 14 years in 2017 for causing grievous bodily harm with intent after assaulting an unarmed man with a machete, causing severe injuries.
Reports suggest that the alleged misconduct occurred during Pinchbeck’s employment at HMP Dovegate in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The accusation states that she violated public trust by communicating with a prisoner using unauthorized means. The incidents are said to have taken place between February and March two years ago while Pinchbeck was stationed at the Category B male prison. Following the investigation, she left her position in the Prison Service and transitioned to a role as a business management executive.
Pinchbeck recently appeared in Birmingham Crown Court but has not yet entered a plea regarding the charges against her. It has been reported that Hardy is also facing charges related to unauthorized communications with a prison officer and possession of a cell phone while incarcerated.
Currently, Pinchbeck is employed as a business management executive at MIH Group, where she is commended for her professional contributions. With a background in managing offenders within the Prison Service, she now applies her expertise in administrative practices to her role at MIH, handling responsibilities such as ISO compliance, governance, office management, and client support. Her employer highlights her dedication to business development and embracing new challenges to drive success.
Before his imprisonment in December 2017, Hardy was involved in a dispute that escalated into the brutal machete attack on the victim. The victim suffered severe injuries, including the loss of a leg and a fractured skull, necessitating immediate medical attention. The court described the assault as cowardly and brutal, emphasizing the victim’s defenselessness against the attacker’s sustained violence.
Judge David Stockdale QC, during sentencing, condemned Hardy’s actions, labeling the attack as vicious and cowardly due to the victim’s inability to defend himself. The severity of the injuries and the unprovoked nature of the assault underscored the brutality of the crime.