MANCHESTER, UK – Two former prison officers have been warned they face potential prison sentences after admitting to inappropriate relationships with inmate brothers who ran a £3 million drug ring.
Misconduct at Buckley Hall Prison
Jai Gascoyne, 25, and Elle Walton, 27, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court. Both women were employed at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale when the relationships occurred.
Court details revealed that Walton was involved with Haq Nawaz, 32, while Gascoyne maintained a relationship with his brother, Dil Nawaz, 30. Gascoyne was also found to be in unauthorized telephone communication with another prisoner, Michael Haigh.
The £3 Million Drug Operation
The Nawaz brothers were key figures in a major organized crime gang that dominated street-level drug dealing, distributing crack cocaine and heroin.
In September 2023, the brothers were handed heavy sentences for their roles in the operation:
- Haq Nawaz: Sentenced to 13 years and 10 months.
- Dil Nawaz: Sentenced to 12 years.
A third brother, Asim Nawaz, was also identified as part of the leadership behind the illicit network.
Upcoming Court Sentencings
The Nawaz brothers are now facing separate legal proceedings, accused of initiating the relationships and encouraging the officers’ criminal behavior. Their hearing is set for July 7th at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
Judge Sarah Johnston released both former officers on bail but explicitly warned them that all sentencing options—including immediate imprisonment—remain open. Gascoyne and Walton are scheduled to be sentenced on August 7th.
