Probation officer who seemed like perfect candidate had huge secret exposed

When Leonie Wilkinson applied for a role as a probation officer, she seemed like the perfect candidate.

She had previously worked in an administrative role for a parole service company contracted to HMPPS, where her duties included conducting risk assessments for magistrates and crown court cases.

In September 2020, she was successful in her application and began working at HMP Preston. Her role involved working with prisoners during their first five days in custody and again in their final 12 weeks before release, offering support around housing, finances, and employment, and liaising with community-based probation teams.

During her application, she did not disclose that at age 16, she had been romantically involved with career criminal Gary Hampson - and was still in contact with his