‘Hidden in a bag of sugar’: Jail nurse’s love letter to convicted rapist

A NURSE at Wakefield Jail wrote a love letter to a convicted rapist telling him “you are my knight in shining armour”, a jury was told today.

The letter was read out at the trial of Karen Cosford, 47, who is accused of having sex with inmate Brian McBride at the prison.

It was found in a bag of sugar during a search of the prison medical centre, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Richard Wright, prosecuting, told the jury it said: “You are my world, now and in the future together. Through good and bad times and, hopefully, more good times than bad.

“You understand me more than anyone. We can have a wonderful future together. Everything we talked about will happen but just give it time.”

The letter said: “I never wanted to jeopardise you getting out. It would break my heart.

“You are my knight in shining armour.

“Who would’ve have ever thought you and me?

“When I think of you inside me it brings a smile to my heart. It’s a wonderful thought.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And it went on: “I will rag you around. Only kidding. It will be the most sensual and close sex you have ever had.”

The letter also referred to him being the “most understanding, patient, manly, kind” man she knew.

The letter finished: “I’m committed to this 100%, don’t ever forget that. I love you dearly with all my heart.”

Mr Wright said the letter ended with kisses but no signature.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The jury has heard how Cosford, who worked in the medical centre at the prison, denies misconduct, claiming McBride raped her, then bribed and intimidated her so she would not report it.

The married prison worker, of Normanton, West Yorkshire, “grossly breached the trust placed in her” and compromised prison security by having sex with McBride, prosecutors have said.

The alleged relationship was exposed when McBride’s cell was searched and he told Cosford’s husband Darrie, a prison officer, he had been having an affair with his wife, the court has heard.

Following the discovery of the letter, Cosford rang in to work sick, then claimed she was raped, the jury has been told.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

McBride worked as a cleaner at the medical centre, where he was also an in-patient.

Cosford is charged with having a sexual relationship with a prisoner, failing to tell authorities he had a mobile phone and supplying McBride with mobile top-up vouchers. She denies all charges.

Three of her medical centre colleagues also face various misconduct charges.

Carolyn Falloon, 50, of Wakefield, and Jacqueline Flynn, 46, from Pontefract, deny charges of failing to report the relationship and not reporting McBride’s mobile phone.

Falloon and David Sunderland, 49, of Wakefield, also deny supplying McBride with mobile top-ups.

The trial continues.