A prison officer at a Merseyside jail has been charged in connection with a corruption investigation.
Lucy Thornton faces an allegation of misconduct in public office linked to her work at HMP Altcourse.
The 28-year-old is facing prosecution following an operation that has been ongoing for nearly two years.
Thornton, who is from the Orford area of Warrington, was arrested and questioned back on July 31, 2019.
She has now been charged with a single allegation of misconduct in public office as a result of the probe, a joint investigation between the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the HM Prison and Probation Service Counter Corruption Unit.
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The specialist corruption unit investigates concerns surrounding the prison network.
Government documents setting out its purpose state: "Corruption puts the safety of offenders, staff and visitors to prisons at risk, damages the reputation of the organisation, reduces workforce morale and performance, and compromises confidence in HMPPS’ ability to run safe and secure prison and probation services that protect the public and rehabilitate offenders."
Thornton has been released on bail and is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on April 22.
