Prison officer who perverted the course of justice is given suspended sentence

A PRISON officer who “ruined” his life by perverting the course of justice has been spared jail.

John McGee, 51, asked a prison governor to have “a quiet word” with another guard who had given evidence at a series of abuse trials against fellow officers.

McGee, of Burnopfield, County

Durham, sent the email in support of his father, who was jailed for his part in the mistreatment of young inmates at Medomsley Detention Centre in the 1970s.

McGee, said to have hero-worshipped his father – who is also called John – lost his job at the maximum security Frankland

Prison where he had worked for 24 years after he was convicted following a trial in February.

Judge James Adkin suspended a nine-month jail sentence for two years, imposed a 7pm to 7am curfew and ordered him to carry out 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

The court heard the defendant, now working as a delivery driver, was not considered a risk of committing similar offences.

Judge Adkin, sitting at Newcastle Crown Court, said: “I accept the argument that you were under considerable stress.

“You did something stupid, entirely out of character, and as a result you ruined your life.”

Robin Patton, defending, said McGee was very close to his father and described the email he sent to Durham Prison’s number one governor as “a cry for help” when he was in a “state of despair” following his elderly father’s conviction.

McGee had sent an email to Phil Husband in January 2019 after his father was convicted at Teesside Crown Court.

A Durham Prison officer called Hugh Cockburn had given background evidence at two trials, including his father’s, and was due to go in the witness box at a third trial of former Medomsley officers accused of abusing inmates.

McGee wrote that Mr Cockburn had been “sticking the boot in” by giving evidence, adding: “If I had my way he would be dealt with if you know what I mean.”