In a recent trial at Cardiff Crown Court, the prosecution has presented a case against Ruth Shmylo, a former prison officer accused of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a serving inmate at HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales with her photos viral on Instagram
The 26-year-old, who did not pass her probationary period and was released from her employment in April 2021, faces one count of misconduct in a public office.
Who is Ruth Shmylo ex-HMP Parc Wales prison officer as photos go viral on Instagram amidst court cast
Female Prison Guard Ruth Shmylo, 26, Had Secret Phone Sex With Inmate.
She said the inmate threatened to harm another prisoner if she stopped taking his calls
As victims are left to suffer,criminals enjoy themselves with these pathetic officershttps://t.co/j5ZW1zOLIT via @Yahoo— NATHAN (@mbga_uk) December 11, 2023
🇬🇧 Prison Officer's 'Phone Sex With Inmate'
▫Ruth Shmylo, 26, of Pontypridd, denies having a relationship with a serving prisoner at HMP Parc in Bridgend where she was employed
▫@PhilDewey
▫https://t.co/Dm64DS3KBF 🇬🇧#frontpagestoday #UK @WalesOnline pic.twitter.com/qOQragFybg— 𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚝 𝙿𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝚃𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢 📰 (@ukpapers) December 12, 2023
The trial, which began with Ruth Shmylo’s arrest on July 20, 2021 has brought to light a series of alleged incidents that occurred between December 1, 2020, and April 17, 2021. Prosecutors contend that Ruth Shmylo failed to report the inmate’s advances and actively participated in a relationship that involved phone s*x.
According to prosecutor Matthew Cobbe, Ruth Shmylo received the inmate’s number on a piece of paper, claiming she “felt pressure” to call him and “felt trapped.” Despite her subsequent attempts to end the relationship, the prosecution argues that her failure to report the incident and the inmate’s possession of a prohibited mobile phone point to her alleged involvement.
Cobbe emphasized that Shmylo had opportunities to decline the number, report the incident, and avoid calling the inmate. The court heard that the defendant and the inmate were in contact “pretty much every day,” and at one point, he allegedly threatened harm to another prisoner if she didn’t call him.
The complexity of the case deepens as it unfolds. Ruth Shmylo admitted during a police interview that the inmate asked her to meet his mother and “tell her what he was really like.” Despite initially refusing, she eventually agreed. The inmate allegedly made suggestive remarks during phone calls, with Shmylo stating that she was primarily listening to his comments.
In their exchanges, the inmate asked Shmylo to express love, discussed a future together, and referred to her as “his missus.” On her birthday, he messaged her with a cheerful “Happy Birthday Princess Girl,” to which she replied with a simple “Thank you,” later asserting that he was just a friend. The prosecution noted the difficulty in determining whether the relationship was physical.
The trial raises questions about the professional conduct of prison staff and the boundaries that should exist between officers and inmates. The prosecution contends that Ruth Shmylo could and should have taken steps to prevent or terminate the relationship.
As the trial continues, the court will likely delve deeper into the evidence presented. It will be including Shmylo’s admissions during the police interview, the inmate’s coercive tactics, and the overall dynamics of their alleged relationship.