'Deeply dishonest' prisoner pleads guilty to blackmailing female prison officer at HMP Featherstone

Wednesbury criminal Adam Bodycote, 36, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to blackmail whilst serving in HMP Featherstone.

The charge levelled at Bodycote, was on "February 2, 2024, at Sandwell, with a view to gain for yourself or another or with intent to cause loss to another, made an unwarranted demand of money from Stacey Twist with menaces."

Miss Twist is a G4S Prison Custody Officer and has worked at HMP Featherstone and Oakwood just outside Wolverhampton.

Her LinkedIn profile describes her as: "Hard working, team player and will always work with and alongside my team to get the best results to benefit the guest. I have fun side and always try to bring that into my work."

Bodycote appeared at the hearing via video link from HMP Birmingham where he is currently residing after being recalled back to prison after breaking a condition his release on parole. 

Bodycote will be sentenced in June after Judge Neil Chawla KC requested a victim impact statement from Miss Twist. 

Defending, Chloe Ashley said: "My client is the subject of a recall and therefore wants to be sentenced as soon as possible but I understand the difficulties of this going ahead today.

Judge Chawla said: "Your sentencing will take place on June 11 and you will be allowed to appear by CVP video link from HMP Birmingham."

Former soldier Bodycote, originally from Beech Road, Wednesbury,  was serving a nine year service for stealing ten vehicles worth £100,000 during a three month crime spree which ended with his arrest in 2017.