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Prison Governor's Affair Sparks Blackmail Fears
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Senior officers allegedly had an affair at HMP Downview.
- Inspectors feared blackmail risk due to the relationship.
- Prison Service found no breaches of conduct in review.
Two senior prison officers at HMP Downview in Surrey are embroiled in allegations of an affair, which has led to fears of potential blackmail. Inspectors reportedly alerted the jail's governor, Amy Dixon, about the relationship between a married male officer and a female colleague holding management roles.
Despite the concerns, it is understood that Governor Dixon permitted a baby shower for the couple's child to take place within the prison. The male officer has since transferred to a senior role elsewhere and is involved in policy setting for the female prison estate.
The Prison Service conducted an internal review, concluding that there were no breaches of conduct, corruption concerns, or grounds for disciplinary action. However, former governor Professor Ian Acheson emphasized the risks of manipulation associated with such relationships in correctional facilities.
