A Wormwood Scrubs officer who embarked on a sexual relationship with one of its inmates has begun a 15-month prison sentence.

Operational support grade prison officer Anita Whittaker was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday (May 21) having previously admitted two counts of misconduct while working at the prison near White City.

getwestlondon reported last month that the 52-year-old, from Oak Way, Acton, had admitted two offences of wilful misconduct by the holder of a public office during an appearance on April 1.

One charge related to the sexual relationship, while the other was for failing to report a prisoner for illegally having a mobile phone.

As well as the jail term, she was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £100, the court said.

A prison service spokesman said afterwards: "We welcome this sentence - there is no place for this kind of behaviour within the prison service.

"The vast majority of our staff are honest, hard-working professionals. Anyone who is found to be corrupt faces severe consequences and criminal prosecution."