19 January 2024 , 17:55
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A Gatwick border official who sent photos of herself to a prisoner and shared sensitive information has dodged a potential prison sentence.
Jade Hearn worked on an anti-smuggling team at the international airport. But during her time there, the 26-year-old shared sensitive intelligence with convicted criminals. She also sent pictures of herself in her Border Force uniform to a prisoner in HMP Woodhill, Buckinghamshire.
But Anti-Corruption officers with the
swooped on her at her office and arrested her in January 2021 after they received a tip-off from the prison service who had become aware of the pictures.
Despite this, Hearn didn’t go to jail and instead received a suspended prison sentence. This came after an NCA investigation along with the Border Force Anti-Corruption Intelligence Team found that Hearn had been talking to at least four men who were using illegal phones in prison.
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She was discovered to have sent images of sensitive documents which contained details of criminal records as well as videos of drugs seized at Gatwick.
Dave Rock, Operations Manager at the NCA's Anti-Corruption Unit said: "Jade Hearn abused her position as a Border Force officer and knowingly shared sensitive information with people serving prison terms for drug dealing. She communicated with individuals behind bars knowing that they were holding those phones illegally, and assisted them in their criminality by arranging money transfers. The NCA worked closely with the Prison Service to end their conspiracy."
Hearn also sent details of a police investigation which she was assisting in while also discussing moving money through her bank account on behalf of those involved in drug trafficking. In one case, she advised them to break payments up into smaller amounts so as to avoid attracting suspicion.
Messages between Jade and one of the prisoners (National Crime Agency)Mr Rock added: "We do not believe that any of the information she passed on caused major impact to ongoing investigations or operations, but there is no doubt that the potential to do so was there had we not stopped her. Her corrupt activity was the definition of misconduct in public office."
"We know organised crime groups target insiders at ports and airports for their knowledge and access, which is why stamping out corruption across all law enforcement is such a priority for the NCA and our partners such as Border Force."
Hearn was charged with five different offences including misconduct in public office, encouraging or assisting the use of an illegal prison phone, and possessing and supplying a class B drug. She pleaded guilty to all offences.
On Friday, January 19, a judge at Southwark Crown Court sentenced her to 20 months in prison which was suspended for two years.