A former correctional officer from Townsville has faced the consequences of her actions after developing an inappropriate relationship with an inmate at the Cleveland Correctional Centre.
The Court Proceedings
Matice Adriana Henaway, aged 27, appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday where she received a suspended sentence for her misconduct. The court heard that Henaway had formed an improper connection with a prisoner while employed as a correctional officer at the facility.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Tania Cutler presented the facts to the court, revealing that the inappropriate relationship had been discovered and investigated by authorities. The details of the relationship showed a clear breach of professional boundaries and correctional facility protocols.
Sentencing Details
Magistrate Ross Mack presided over the case and handed down a sentence of one month imprisonment, wholly suspended for 12 months. This means Henaway will avoid actual prison time provided she does not commit another offence during the suspension period.
The court considered various factors in determining the sentence, including the nature of the relationship, the breach of trust involved, and Henaway's personal circumstances. The suspended sentence reflects the court's assessment of the case's specific details while maintaining the seriousness of the offence.
Professional Consequences
The relationship represents a significant breach of professional conduct for correctional officers, who are expected to maintain strict boundaries with inmates. Such relationships can compromise institutional security and undermine the integrity of the correctional system.
Henaway's employment at the correctional centre has undoubtedly been terminated as a result of these actions. The case serves as a stark reminder to correctional staff about the importance of maintaining professional distance and adhering to ethical standards when working with prisoners.
The Queensland Corrective Services has strict policies governing staff interactions with inmates, and violations of these policies typically result in immediate dismissal and potential criminal charges, as demonstrated in this case.
This sentencing highlights the zero-tolerance approach taken by authorities toward inappropriate relationships between correctional staff and prisoners, emphasizing that such conduct will face legal consequences regardless of the circumstances.
