A SOUTHAMPTON woman who worked at Winchester prison today narrowly avoided jail after admitting misconduct in public office. Sonya Knight, 22, of Mirabella Close, Woolston, was sentenced to eight months in jail suspended for eighteen months at Winchester Crown Court today. Knight, an operation support grade officer, allowed inmate Jack McRae to have access to a mobile phone and engaged in an inappropriate relationship with him. She denied it was a sexual relationship, the court heard. David Rogers, Governor of HMP Winchester, said today: “A case such as this brings to light the wrongdoing or corruption of a small minority of prison staff and demonstrate that staff engaging in such activity will be uncovered and punished. A vast majority of prison staff do a fantastic job and have appropriate and professional contact with prisoners. I am very grateful for the hard work that brings cases like this to light.” DS Gary Cable said: "This sentence sends a clear message that this type of behaviour simply won't be tolerated when you are working in a position of trust, as Knight was at the time. "Our investigation was launched after intelligence was received from HMP Winchester that a woman who was employed in the prison was having a relationship with a serving inmate. "Knight was subsequently arrested at her Southampton home and during her interview she gave a full admission that she had been speaking to the prisoner via mobile phone calls and messages. Knight was aware that the prisoner had access to a phone and this undermined the security and integrity of the prison. She was also texting the prisoner whilst she was on a training course based in HMP accommodation. "Knight also admitted that there was only one instance of personal contact where the prisoner had kissed her hand through a cell hatch". She was also sentenced to do 200 hours unpaid work and pay £200 costs.