The Department of Home Affairs has issued a statement following the conviction and sentencing of a prison officer in the Isle of Man courts.
Thirty-year old Robert Sewell from Douglas was sentenced to a 12 month prison term on 19 November 2020, for the offence of bringing a prohibited article into the prison. He had pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place in August 2019, at a previous hearing.
Acting Prison Governor Leroy Bonnick said:
‘This conviction emphasises our commitment to stamp out criminality of any sort in the Prison and Probation Service, and our determination to give offenders the chance to rehabilitate, which ultimately contributes towards keeping the Manx public safe.’
‘Our prison officers are dedicated, hardworking and honest. In this case we have seen an officer who was prepared to engage in corrupt behaviour in our prison, damaging both the integrity of the system and the profession. The potential consequences of this offence are serious as they could have aided further criminal activity.
The Acting Prison Governor added:
‘By his actions, Sewell betrayed his colleagues and put them in potential danger. We are dismayed at the discredit Sewell has brought on the service, and will always operate a zero tolerance policy in such circumstances.’
Sewell had been employed in the Prison and Probation Service for two years. This is the first time that a prison officer has been prosecuted for an offence such as this.
