Prison officer to lose job at Frankland

A prison officer who emailed a governor asking him to have "a quiet word" with a guard who had given evidence at a series of abuse trials against fellow officers has been convicted of perverting the course of justice.

John McGee, 50, sent the email in support of his father, who was jailed for his part in the mistreatment of inmates at Medomsley Detention Centre in the 1970s.

McGee, who admitted he hero-worshipped his father, who is also called John, will now lose his job at the maximum security Frankland Prison where he has worked for more than 20 years.

The jury at Durham Crown Courtconvictedhimofasingle count of perverting the course of justice.McGee had sent an email to Phil Husband, the number one governor of Durham Prison, in January 2019 after his father was convicted at Teesside Crown Court.

A Durham Prison officer called Hugh Cockburn had given evidence at two trials, including his father's, and was due to go in the witness box at athirdtrialofformerMedomsley officers accused of abusing young inmates.

McGeewrotethatMrCockburn had been "sticking the boot in" by giving evidence, adding: "If I had my way he wouldbedealtwithifyouknow what I mean."

Theemailcontinued:"Now it's not for me to say anything Phil, but a quiet word in his ear would be a good idea."

McGeewrotethathisfather had been cleared of 12 counts by the jury but convicted of misconduct, describing that verdict as "bloody rubbish".

Robin Patton, defending, said: "His situation is now very difficult. He will lose his job."

McGee, from Burnopfield, was granted bail ahead of sentencing on March 26.