UK Prison officer who had s3x with convicted rapist over 40 times in prison before being caught goes free
A former UK prison officer, Cherri-Ann Austin-Saddington, 29, will not serve a jail term after she was convicted of having inappropriate relationship with a convicted rapist in a prison where she served.
Saddington opened up in an interview with the Daily Mail about her regret and shame after having a secret six-month relationship with prisoner, Bradley Trengrove, while working at HMP The Verne in Dorset.
Trengrove was serving 13 years for raping a woman and having sexual activity with a child.
Saddington fell madly in love with him despite knowing he was a s3x offender and started their fling in August 2022.
She had s3x with him in prison workshops up to 40 times, before she was caught, according to court records.
She was even desperate to raise a family with the dangerous criminal, getting pregnant for him at least once before their affair blew open and led to Saddington losing her job.
Despite admitting she knew he was a sex offender, she said she was desperate for a “stable life” and support.
Saddington avoided jail this week after admitting misconduct in public office, with the court citing her severe health condition—a spinal stroke that left her paralysed—as the reason for suspending her sentence for two years.
In November that year, Saddington became pregnant but suffered a miscarriage after eight weeks.
Following Trengrove’s transfer to another prison in March 2023, she attempted to visit him under a false name with a syringe hidden in her bra, intending to collect his sperm for artificial insemination.
She was arrested during the visit after prison officials discovered she wore no underwear under her dress.
Saddington claimed Trengrove manipulated her during a time of emotional vulnerability, when she was homeless and struggling as a mother of three.
She revealed that he had made promises of a future together, convincing her that he had been wrongly convicted.
After her arrest, Saddington entered a new relationship and got married in November 2024. She says her husband has been her emotional anchor through her health crisis and legal ordeal.
Speaking out, she expressed deep remorse and urged other officers not to make similar mistakes, warning of the dangers of becoming emotionally involved with inmates.
Despite criticism from some acquaintances and members of the public who believe she should have served time, Saddington maintains she is trying to rebuild her life and take responsibility for her past actions.
