I GREATLY sympathise with the dilemma faced by an obviously vulnerable and possibly untrained prison volunteer (Ms Estelle Sandles), led astray by a manipulative inmate as reported in the Daily Echo headline last Monday.

I also served Winchester Prison as an official voluntary monitor appointed and trained by the Secretary of State for some 15 years, during which time I had to visit many notorious prisoners, including Ms Rose West, a serial killer, and many others.

My job was merely to look after the day-to-day welfare of the prisoner and listen to any complaints to be transmitted to the governor or to the Home Secretary.

Often, inmates try to discuss their court cases and other problems but one had to politely put that aside or ignore it, as one knew that would lead into dangerous territory.

It appears that, sadly, Ms Sandles became a victim and I hope that she can get over that episode.

JUDGE ANVER JEEVANJEE (Rtd.), Southampton.