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Former HMP Styal prison officer Daniel Hay was dismissed from his role after entering into a sexual relationship with a female prisoner shortly after her release, with a court hearing that the pair had met while she was serving her sentence.
Hay, 47, admitted misconduct in public office after having sexual contact with former inmate Sophie Stonehewer, 28, just one day after she was released from custody.
Chester Crown Court heard that Stonehewer had been expected to stay at approved accommodation under the conditions of her release, but instead met Hay and stayed with him at a Premier Inn hotel.
Hay, a father of two from Prestwich, Manchester, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
The court heard that Hay and Stonehewer first met on Valentine's Day in 2024 while she was being escorted around HMP Styal, the women's prison in Cheshire.
Prosecutor John Wyn Williams said Stonehewer had experienced a troubled life and had previously been a victim of domestic abuse. He described her as a vulnerable woman who had been in and out of custody on several occasions.
During one encounter inside the prison, Stonehewer asked Hay what he was doing for Valentine's evening. The prosecution said she later joked that she was a sex worker and would offer him “mates rates” once she was released.
The court heard that their contact continued during Stonehewer's time at the prison. As her release approached, Hay reportedly told her that he had booked time off work and asked whether she wanted to go away for a few days.
He obtained her mobile phone number before her release.
Stonehewer was released on 4 April 2024. The prosecution said Hay contacted her that afternoon and the pair discussed meeting for a day out, including a possible trip to Blackpool.
The court heard that Stonehewer sent Hay photographs of herself wearing underwear and that he responded with photographs of himself fully clothed.
They arranged to meet close to the approved premises where Stonehewer was supposed to stay.
Hay bought her Jack Daniel's and cola before the pair checked into a hotel. Once inside their room, they drank, listened to music and had sexual contact.
Stonehewer remained at the hotel beyond the time she was required to return to her approved accommodation, meaning she was in breach of the conditions attached to her release.
The court heard that the pair had sex again on 6 April.
By then, both were aware that Stonehewer had breached her licence conditions and could potentially be arrested and recalled to prison.
The prosecution said Hay later took Stonehewer shopping and gave her £100 in cash to buy clothes.
The pair subsequently argued, after which Stonehewer asked Hay to take her to another hotel. The court heard that Hay gave her money for the room before leaving.
It was the last time they saw each other.
Stonehewer later disclosed the relationship to a probation officer, four days after the initial hotel meeting. Hay was subsequently arrested.
When initially questioned by police, Hay claimed he only knew Stonehewer “in passing” and said he had been celebrating his birthday with friends when she said they had been together.
He later admitted the relationship but claimed Stonehewer became drunk and assaulted him at the hotel before attempting to blackmail him using photographs from their meeting.
Catherine Elvin, defending Hay, described the offence as the result of poor judgement and recklessness.
She told the court that the relationship had been consensual and that there had been no sexual relationship while Stonehewer was still inside HMP Styal.
Elvin said Hay had been experiencing personal difficulties at the time, including separating from his long-term partner, and had been foolishly drawn into the relationship as a means of boosting his self-esteem.
The defence also accepted that Hay had been assaulted by Stonehewer and had given in to her demands for money.
Sentencing Hay, Judge Steven Everett said the former prison officer had “succumbed to temptation” after flirting with one of the prisoners.
The judge stressed that the relationship had not progressed to sexual contact while Stonehewer was inside the prison, but said that sexual contact occurred immediately after her release.
“You were a prison officer and she a vulnerable victim,” the judge told Hay.
Hay, who now works as an HGV driver, received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 24 months and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
The case demonstrates the serious professional and legal consequences that can follow when prison staff cross boundaries with prisoners, particularly where contact continues immediately after release.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that Hay subsequently lost his position at HMP Styal following the misconduct.
