Prison officer who sent lag X-rated videos and called herself his ‘little princess’ during steamy fling avoids jail

A PRISON officer who sent a lag X-rated videos and called herself his “little princess” has avoided jail. Samantha Stowell struck up the three-month relationship with Conor Dobson while working at HMP Manchester. Samantha Stowell embarked on a three-month fling with a prisoner Credit: Supplied She has now avoided a jail term Credit: Supplied The 23-year-old exchanged messages with the prisoner – including topless photos and videos – and declared their love for each other. Dobson also paid money into Stowell’s bank account so she could buy herself gifts totalling £1,200. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Stowell pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office between March 13, 2022 and August 10, 2023. But she was spared prison and instead handed a six-month sentence, suspended for 24 months. Judge Patrick Field said a “significant” mitigating factor was Stowell’s age at the time. He added: “I will leave it to others to question how it was that a 19 -year-old girl is sent into Manchester Prison – into the Lion’s Den.” Manchester Crown Court heard how Stowell joined the Prison Service in January 2022 before being deployed to the Alpha Wing of the jail. Richard Holland, prosecuting, said she underwent anti-corruption training, which included warnings about engaging in inappropriate relationships with prisoners. Most read in The Sun Stowell called herself the lag’s ‘little princess’ Credit: Supplied She also accepted money from the lag for gifts Credit: Supplied Her relationship with Dobson was rumbled when staff found an iPhone while searching his cell. Following her arrest, officers seized Stowell’s phone and discovered the messages. In one, Dobson told Stowell she “had eyes that make me fall in love” and she responded by telling him: “You make me so happy, love you.” Stowell spoke of them “finally being together properly again”, saying: “I miss you more every day Conor Thomas Dobson.” She added: “Hopefully, I can be your little princess one day again. “You actually have such a special place in my heart. “All my love always, Samantha.” She then sent Dobson two videos of herself – one showing her on all fours on the floor in her underwear – and “explicit” images of herself. Stowell also video-called Dobson in her underwear while he was topless in his cell and they both send further topless photos of themselves to each other. Mr Holland told the court how various cash sums were paid into Stowell’s bank account via a relative of Dobson. One for £500 was referenced “dinner date” while others for £240 for £200 were named “Tiffany and Co.” and “hair”. Dobson also messaged Stowell after one payment, saying it was “bracelet day”. After Stowell was questioned by police, she admitted she had “been stupid and didn’t want to go to prison”. She also said she had “appreciated” Dobson’s attention after splitting up from her boyfriend. Stowell was dismissed in August 2023 when she failed to return to work, the court heard. Graham Rishton, defending, said she was “mortified, embarrassed and full of regret”. As well as a suspended sentence, Stowell was ordered to attend 15 rehabilitation days, carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 costs. Judge Field told her: “You formed a relationship with an older man who was a prisoner. Such a relationship was wholly inappropriate. “You knew you shouldn’t do it because of your training, but you nevertheless went ahead.”