A prison officer who had a fling with a diamond heist convict appeared in court yesterday.

Abbie Levens, 31, of Adastra Way in Wallington, previously pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a male convict, but claims there was no sex involved.

Guildford Crown Court heard yesterday that letters were found at Levens' home addressed to Sherome Blair, an inmate at HMP High Down where she worked.

Susannah Bramley, prosecuting, said they could not say the letters were ever sent to Blair because they were in Levens' wardrobe but argued they contain details of her discussing what had happened between the pair.

Levens is expected to give evidence at a trial of issue next month and has been released on unconditional bail.