Prison nurse ‘told rapist he was her knight in shining armour’

The letter, said to have been written by Karen Cosford during a sexual relationship with lifer Brian McBride at Wakefield Prison, was read at Leeds Crown court yesterday in the trial of Cosford and other health centre staff who deny charges of misconduct.

It was found in the kitchen of the centre during a search after security issues were raised about McBride being unsupervised in the area. Cosford then told police she was raped by McBride and made to write the letter.

But the prosecution claim the relationship was consensual in “gross breach of the trust placed in her”.

Richard Wright prosecuting said the unsigned letter said: “You are my world, now and in the future together, through good times and bad times, hopefully more good times than bad.”

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

She said she could not wait to continue the relationship outside “this place”.

The letter went on: “I never wanted to jeopardise you getting out. It would break my heart. You are my knight in shining armour. Who would have ever thought you and me?

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

She told him she only realised how much she missed him when she went away on holiday.

“I couldn’t get you out of my head and heart. Everything I did you were at the forefront of my mind.

“I was so looking forward to seeing you again, my heart sank when you didn’t reply to my text message. I really thought it was the end.”

The letter said she “felt happy and elated” when she got back to work and knew they were OK.

She promised him the “most sensual and close sex you have ever had” and concluded “I’m committed to this 100 per cent. Don’t ever forget that I love you dearly with all my heart.”

Cosford, 47, of Marston Walk, Altofts, Wakefield, denies three charges of misconduct by having a sexual relationship with McBride who was an inpatient and cleaner in the health centre, by failing to notify prison authorities that McBride had possession of a mobile phone and that she purchasing top ups for him.

Her colleagues Carolyn Falloon, 50, of Manor Crescent, Walton, Wakefield, and Jacqueline Flynn, 46, of The Leys, South Kirkby, Pontefract, both deny failing to report the sexual relationship and with a third colleague David Sutherland, 49 of Millcroft, Lofthouse, Wakefield, of failing to report McBride’s possession of a phone.

Falloon also denies misconduct by purchasing mobile phone top ups for McBride.

The prosecution claim in 2008 and 2009 the roles and responsibilities in the health care centre were “turned on their heads” as staff allowed themselves to be drawn into “utterly corrupt relationships” with McBride undermining the safety and security of the prison.

Mr Wright said McBride enjoyed breaking down the barriers between prisoners and staff and was highly manipulative.

He obtained phones and the prosecution claim the defendants chose not to report that to the authorities with the three women engaging in regular text messaging with him when they were not at work.

Mr Wright told the jury it was the Crown’s case that Cosford, who had 15 years experience at Wakefield Jail, began the sexual relationship with McBride after becoming emotionally involved with him.

On September 25, 2009 a search was made of the health centre kitchen after a mobile telephone charger was found in a laundry bag carried by McBride and the letter was found.

When he was moved to another area of the prison McBride then handed over a package of four mobile phones wrapped up together in surgical tape.

The trial continues.