Female Prison Officer Admits Exchanging Texts With Convicted Drug Dealer

Guilty: Paula Radley

A female prison officer today admitted exchanging “inappropriate” texts with a convicted drug dealer serving time at HMP Wandsworth.

Paula Radley, 45, was told she faces being locked-up herself for her communications with convicted drug dealer Adrian Woodhouse, 41.

One text he sent her read: ‘Feeling very low. You can give me a hug tomorrow if you feel like it.”

Radley, of Keyworth Close, Clapton pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office between July 2 and August 13, last year, namely communicating with inmate Woodhouse.

Both of them pleaded guilty to the unauthorised transmission of text messages at HMP Wandsworth between the same dates.

Woodhouse, who received ten years imprisonment in 2018, pleaded guilty to possession of a restricted item, namely a mobile phone on August 29, last year.

Prosecutor Alexandra Boshell told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown court: “These charges came about as a result of Woodhouse’s cell being searched at Wandsworth Prison.

“He was also searched and a mobile phone was found concealed on his person.

“Messages were identified as Radley having communicated wit him. She is a senior prison officer at the prison.”

The court heard she was convicted of seven counts of fraud in February, last year and Woodhouse has committed 55 previous offences.

“He is serving a lengthy custodial sentence for drug offences.”

In 2005 he was convicted on ten charges relating to drug supply and firearms offence and last year received ten years for drug offences.

“A prison term is highly likely,” said Radley’s lawyer Mr. Andrew Hill. 

“When one looks at the nature of the text messages there is a clear indication of their contact being inappropriate in this case.”

He said Radley was on anti-depressants after a skin cancer diagnosis in 2017 resulted in five operations and in October, last year she was diagnosed as bipolar and prescribed lithium.

Judge Georgina Kent told her: “These are very serious offences because they are against the discipline of the prison and impacts on the discipline and security of the prison.”

Woodhouse, currently locked-up at HMP Erlstoke, appeared via video link and Radley was bailed to return for sentencing on May 2.