A prison officer has been warned she faces a "significant custodial sentence" after pleading guilty to misconduct in a public office.

Rachel Martin, from Salisbury, appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court on October 27 to enter pleas for ten charges.

Martin, 25, admitted to having an "emotional or intimate" relationship with prisoner Raymond Abraham at HMP Guys Marsh in north Dorset.

The relationship is said to have taken place between November 1, 2020 and March 8, 2021 during which time she sent "thousands of messages, videos and voice messages" and was receiving "large payments into her bank account".

She also admitted to supplying Abraham with high value designer clothes and footwear as well as female underwear - the latter of which was confiscated from Abraham's cell on February 6, 2021.

In total Martin pleaded guilty to eight charges of misconduct in a public office and one charge of encouraging the possession of a mobile phone in prison.

She entered a not guilty plea to a charge of supplying Abraham with a mobile phone. Prosecutors suggested this would be allowed to lie on her file.

The court heard how on one occasion she encouraged another person to purchase a top-up for the phone and had sent Abraham a message he'd "just have to flush it" if his cell was searched.

During the months Abraham had a phone she is accused of engaging with him over texts and did not report the fact that he had a phone.

Claire Mawer, defending Martin, said she would arrange for a psychologist's report prior to a sentencing hearing.

Martin was supported in court by members of her family and friends sitting in the public gallery.

His Honour Judge Fuller KC adjourned the case for sentencing at Bournemouth Crown Court to take place on December 15 with Martin released on unconditional bail.

He said to Martin: "These are serious offences and a significant custodial sentence might be expected - that will be up to the judge on the day".

Anthony Johns, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “The evidence in this case proved that there had been thousands of messages, videos and voice messages exchanged between Martin and the prisoner on an almost daily basis.

“After a thorough investigation by the police, we could show that not only were they in a relationship, but that Martin was receiving large payments into her bank account and that she clearly knew that there were unauthorised mobile devices in the prison.

“As a prison officer and person acting in public office, she was in an important position of trust. Martin would have known that her actions represented a clear breach of that trust, created a serious conflict of interest, and entirely compromised her position.

“People who act otherwise than in accordance with their duties in public office will be brought to justice.”