Who is Megan Breen? Prison Officer Admits to Inmate Relationship, Faces Jail

A 23-year-old female prison officer, Megan Breen, has admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate while working at two prisons in South Wales. She could now face jail time.

Breen was working at HMP Usk, a Category C jail, and HMP Prescoed, an open prison nearby. The relationship with the unnamed prisoner took place between February and May 2022. At first, Breen denied the claims but later admitted the affair in court.

Misconduct Charge for Breaking Public Trust

The official charge said that Breen “misconducted herself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public’s trust” by engaging in a relationship with a prisoner while being a public officer.

Breen, who lives in Newport, Gwent, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court. Although she has been bailed for now, Judge Carl Harrison said she could still go to jail and that “all sentencing options” remain open. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.

Second Charge Dropped

A second charge, accusing Breen of illegally accessing a computer, will not be pursued, according to Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

The Prisons Where Breen Worked

HMP Usk houses around 280 inmates and is known for holding lower-risk prisoners. It is managed along with HMP Prescoed, which is just three miles away. Prescoed is an open prison, meaning inmates there are often nearing the end of their sentences and preparing for release.

Rise in Prison Officer Misconduct Cases

This case is part of a growing number of similar incidents. The Ministry of Justice recently reported that 19 prison staff members were charged with misconduct in public office between 2023 and 2024. That is the highest number of such cases in over ten years.

Other Similar Cases in the UK

• In May 2025, Tracy Boateng, 27, was sentenced after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with inmate Vincent Ojo at HMP Pentonville. She got a 12-month sentence, suspended for 24 months.

• In March 2025, Katie Evans, 26, was jailed for 21 months. The judge said she had been manipulated by an experienced criminal, Daniel Brownley. She made 140 phone calls, moved money, and gave him inside prison info.

• Earlier this year, Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, was jailed for 15 months after having sex with an inmate at HMP Wandsworth. A video of the act was shared online.

These cases have raised serious concerns about staff relationships with inmates and the security risks that come with them.