The article tells the story of Cherrie-Ann Austin-Saddington, a former prison officer who became emotionally and sexually involved with a prisoner, Bradley Trengrove, while working at HMP The Verne in Dorset. Trengrove was serving a 13-year sentence for serious offenses.
Austin-Saddington's relationship with Trengrove began when he transferred to her prison, Channings Wood, where she had been visiting him regularly as part of her job. They continued their affair despite the fact that it was against prison rules and regulations, with Austin-Saddington eventually resigning from her job and changing her name by deed poll to be able to visit Trengrove in his new prison.
The relationship became increasingly controlling, with Trengrove making constant demands on Austin-Saddington's time and attention. She also received threatening messages from him, including a bloodstained letter that led to her arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Austin-Saddington was eventually convicted of misconduct in public office and sentenced to probation, but her partner, Jonny, was supportive throughout the process. The two got married in 2024, and Jonny has been caring for Austin-Saddington since a spinal stroke left her with limited mobility.
Throughout the article, Austin-Saddington expresses regret and shame about her role in the affair, stating that she was vulnerable at the time due to her young age and need for support. However, she also acknowledges that Trengrove took advantage of her and that there were significant power imbalances in their relationship.
The article highlights the challenges faced by prison officers, who are often underpaid and undervalued, and may be desperate for work. It also raises questions about the management of these staff members, particularly those who may be prone to grooming or exploitation.
In the end, Austin-Saddington has found a new sense of purpose as she works with organizations that support victims of domestic abuse and trauma recovery. She continues to navigate her relationship with Jonny while coping with the physical and emotional challenges of her stroke.
Austin-Saddington's relationship with Trengrove began when he transferred to her prison, Channings Wood, where she had been visiting him regularly as part of her job. They continued their affair despite the fact that it was against prison rules and regulations, with Austin-Saddington eventually resigning from her job and changing her name by deed poll to be able to visit Trengrove in his new prison.
The relationship became increasingly controlling, with Trengrove making constant demands on Austin-Saddington's time and attention. She also received threatening messages from him, including a bloodstained letter that led to her arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Austin-Saddington was eventually convicted of misconduct in public office and sentenced to probation, but her partner, Jonny, was supportive throughout the process. The two got married in 2024, and Jonny has been caring for Austin-Saddington since a spinal stroke left her with limited mobility.
Throughout the article, Austin-Saddington expresses regret and shame about her role in the affair, stating that she was vulnerable at the time due to her young age and need for support. However, she also acknowledges that Trengrove took advantage of her and that there were significant power imbalances in their relationship.
The article highlights the challenges faced by prison officers, who are often underpaid and undervalued, and may be desperate for work. It also raises questions about the management of these staff members, particularly those who may be prone to grooming or exploitation.
In the end, Austin-Saddington has found a new sense of purpose as she works with organizations that support victims of domestic abuse and trauma recovery. She continues to navigate her relationship with Jonny while coping with the physical and emotional challenges of her stroke.
I can totally relate to how overwhelming life can get, especially when you're trying to navigate complicated relationships & emotions. It takes a huge amount of courage to acknowledge your flaws & take responsibility for them 
. Sounds like Cherrie-Ann is learning to be super kind to herself & prioritize her own healing right now 
. I'm so proud of Jonny for being such a supportive partner - it's not always easy to care for someone with limited mobility, but he's doing an amazing job 
. Anyone who's been in situations like this knows how dark they can get, but it sounds like Cherrie-Ann is finally finding some light & purpose again 
i mean i was so sad for her when she was in prison and stuff but then i started reading more about it and idk how she got out of that situation so lucky 
I feel so bad for Cherrie-Ann, the prison officer who got caught up in a toxic relationship with someone she was supposed to be helping. It's just devastating that she was taken advantage of and manipulated by someone with more power over her. And can you believe she had to resign from her job to be able to visit him? 
She clearly needed support, but it should've been from a trusted source, not a manipulative partner.
This is such a sad story. I mean, who would've thought that someone in Cherrie-Ann's position could fall for a prisoner? It just goes to show how vulnerable they can be, especially when they're already under stress at work. And poor Bradley Trengrove, taking advantage of her vulnerability like that... it's just gross 
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. However, I gotta say, the whole situation with Trengrove just doesn't sit right with me... like, how could he take advantage of someone in such a vulnerable state? And what's even more concerning is that it highlights these power imbalances in prisons, which can lead to all sorts of problems 
. It's not just about Cherrie-Ann or Trengrove; it's about the system and how we support our prison officers 
. Anyways, I'm glad to see her finding a new sense of purpose and working towards supporting victims of abuse... that's definitely something to be encouraged 
The whole situation is so messed up. I mean, prison officers are already dealing with some crazy stuff on a daily basis, but to have that kind of power imbalance go into an abusive relationship? That's just devastating 
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and 70% of them say its related to power imbalances like in this case... 
also, 1/4 of all prisoners are on the sex offenders list 
it's like, really sad but we need to work towards making our prisons safer for everyone 
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. She was young and needed support? That's not a reason for him to take advantage of her in every way possible. And now she's blaming everyone but herself? Come on, be honest with yourself, Cherrie-Ann - you knew what you were getting into when you started that affair.
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and its not all clear cut - did Trengrove really take advantage of her or wus she complicit 2? still dont know tho...
. And it's amazing that her partner Jonny has been there for her through thick and thin 
But at the same time, I feel for her - she was young and in need of support, and Trengrove took advantage of that. Power imbalances are real, and it's not okay.
. It's like, you can't let one mistake define you, you know? You've got to keep moving forward and try to make a difference in some way. And kudos to Jonny for being supportive - that takes a big person