Female prison officer confesses months-long sexual relationship with a convicted rapist inmate

A former female prison officer who admitted to a months-long sexual relationship with a convicted rapist inmate has avoided jail, despite smuggling contraband into prison and attempting to artificially inseminate herself with the inmate’s sperm.

Cherri-Ann Austin-Saddington, 29, engaged in a six-month affair with inmate Bradley Trengrove while working at HMP The Verne in Portland, Dorset.

Trengrove was serving a 13-year sentence for rape and sexual activity with a child.

The relationship, which began in August 2022, involved repeated sexual encounters in prison workshops—up to 40 times, according to court testimony.

Saddington later attempted to inseminate herself using a Calpol syringe and a sample of Trengrove’s sperm wrapped in cling film, after he was transferred to HMP Channings Wood in Devon.

She was arrested during a prison visit on May 26, 2023, when staff discovered the empty syringe hidden in her bra and noted she was not wearing underwear.

Saddington pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. However, a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court suspended her sentence for two years, citing her deteriorating health. The mother-of-three suffered a spinal stroke in February 2024, which left her reliant on a wheelchair.

Judge Jonathan Fuller KC remarked: “Had it not been for the accident that befell Miss Austin-Saddington, the sentence would have been an immediate sentence of imprisonment.”

In an interview with MailOnline following her sentencing, Saddington expressed relief: “It’s been a bit of a relief that it’s been suspended.”

She admitted knowing Trengrove was a sex offender but said she was vulnerable and desperate for stability during the affair. “I wanted a stable life,” she said. “I was homeless, trying to look after my family, and felt broken. Bradley came along and I saw someone trying to help me.”

Saddington claimed Trengrove manipulated her and falsely claimed he had been framed. She said she felt “disgusted” and “ashamed” about the relationship after learning the full extent of his offences: “He’s a very dangerous man.”

The court heard Saddington smuggled a mobile phone into the Category C facility to maintain contact with Trengrove, saving his name under “husband to be.”

She also admitted to becoming pregnant by him, though she miscarried eight weeks later. She alleged he removed her contraceptive coil without consent.

In March 2023, Trengrove was transferred to another prison. Two months later, Saddington attempted to visit him using a false name. During this visit, prison officers discovered she had attempted to smuggle in a syringe in an apparent effort to carry out artificial insemination.

Speaking about the incident, Saddington said: “I took the syringe in just so I could show him I had it so he didn’t do anything to himself. It wasn’t so I could carry out what he planned.”

Saddington later began a new relationship and married her current partner in November 2024. “He knew everything from the start,” she said. The couple have since moved into an accessible home better suited to her disability.

Despite her conviction and controversial history, some observers close to the case have voiced skepticism over the leniency shown.

A former landlady told MailOnline: “I think it’s her character. There are so many young women falling in love with inmates. I can’t comprehend it.”

One acquaintance added: “She’s gotten away with it really. I don’t understand it, especially with three young kids.”

Saddington has urged others in the Prison Service facing similar vulnerabilities to seek help: “If people are having a tough time, they need to reach out to somebody. There is help out there. What I did I massively regret—I am ashamed and disgusted.”

The case has reignited debate around professional boundaries, inmate manipulation, and the support systems in place for prison staff facing personal crises.