Who is Alicia Novas: Truth Behind Prison Officer Who Slept with Inmate, Exposed through Snapchat Sex Scandals

Alicia Novas, a former prison officer at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, has been sentenced to three years in jail after her secret relationship with a violent inmate was exposed through explicit Snapchat videos filmed inside the prison.

The case, heard at Northampton Crown Court on 26 January 2026, laid bare how a young officer's conduct not only breached professional standards but also undermined prison security when she smuggled contraband and maintained contact with the inmate even after her arrest.

From New Recruit to Criminal Convict

Novas, now 20, began her career at HMP Five Wells in July 2024 when she was just 18, having completed the necessary training for prison officers, including modules on bribery and corruption.

Alicia Novas

She was posted to A-wing, a standard assignment for a new recruit. But within weeks, she struck up a relationship with inmate Declan Winkless, 31, who was serving an 11-year sentence for violent burglary and other serious offences.

Prosecutors said that the pair's communication began in early November 2024, and Novas provided Winkless with her personal mobile number while he was in prison — a serious breach of duty.

Smuggling Phones, Drugs and Secrets

Once the relationship was underway, the court heard that Novas smuggled two mobile phones, cannabis and tobacco into the prison for Winkless.

Declan Winkless

Winkless used one of the phones to film the pair having sex in Novas's uniform. The video featured prison keys in the frame and was apparently shared with friends via Snapchat — one clip even made it into the hands of a national newspaper.

CCTV footage later authenticated the timing of the clip, showing Novas entering the inmate's cell at exactly the moment the video was being recorded.

Contact Continued After Arrest

Following the snap-video scandal, both Novas and Winkless were arrested in December 2024 and Novas was released on bail with strict conditions not to contact any prisoner.

Prosecutors told the court that she resumed communication almost immediately, with around 400 further calls and messages after her bail was granted.

Overall, there were more than 2,800 recorded contacts between the two during the indictment period from August 2024 to March 2025.

Court Verdict and Sentencing

Novas pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including two counts of misconduct in public office, unauthorised communication while on duty and smuggling contraband into the prison.

Winkless admitted similar charges, including encouraging misconduct by Novas and possessing unauthorised devices inside the prison.

On 26 January 2026, Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane sentenced Novas to three years' imprisonment, of which she will serve half in custody before being eligible for release on licence. Winkless received a sentence of three years and four months, which will run consecutively to his existing 11-year term.

Judge's Remarks and Impact

When passing sentence, Judge Crane acknowledged that Novas had expressed remorse and had since received a diagnosis of a personality disorder, with a history of trauma and substance misuse noted in mitigation.

However, she stressed that Novas was well aware of the professional responsibilities expected of her, and that her actions had put staff and prisoners at risk. The judge also highlighted the seriousness of sharing sensitive information, including the identity of a prison informant — information that could lead to violence within the facility.

Regarding Winkless, the judge said he had used his age and life experience to manipulate Novas and assist her in breaching her duties.

After the hearing, Detective Inspector Richard Cornell from the East Midlands Regional Prisons Intelligence Unit said the sentences reflected the gravity of the offences and underlined the importance of rooting out corruption. He emphasised that the conduct of Novas did not reflect the professionalism of the majority of prison staff, who operate with integrity and under strict vetting procedures.

A spokesperson for HMP Five Wells added that the prison service would continue to work with police and counter-corruption units to detect and prevent wrongdoing

What We Know About Winkless

Declan Winkless, originally from Leicester, was already serving a lengthy sentence when the relationship began. His record includes violent burglary and involvement with a gang that attacked a pregnant woman, according to court reports.

The additional three years ordered in court will be added on top of his existing custodial time.

The fallout continues to prompt discussions about training, oversight and the measures in place to protect both staff and prisoners from similar misconduct.