‘LOVE messages’ sent by a prison nurse to a convicted rapist in Wakefield jail were heard by a jury today (Friday).
Karen Cosford, 47, sent text messages to lifer Brian McBride telling him she was in love with him.
Cosford, of Marston Walk, Altofts, is accused of having a sexual relationship with McBride at the maximum security Love Lane jail.
Leeds Crown Court heard transcripts of a police interview when messages sent from Cosford’s phone to McBride were read to her.
She finished messages with the words “love and miss you”. Other messages included the text “I hope you are okay”, “kissing you, loving you, missing you” and messages apologising for not calling him.
Cosford said McBride forced her to send the text messages and write a love letter as if they were in a relationship.
She told officers: “He badgered and badgered me to write him something.”
She added: “I just went along with everything.”
The prosecution claim the relationship was consensual in “gross breach of the trust placed in her”.
But Cosford, who denies being in a sexual relationship, claimed McBride had blackmailed her.
Cosford, Carolyn Falloon, Jacqueline Flynn and David Sunderland, who all worked in the healthcare unit, are accused of misconduct in a public office.
Carolyn Falloon, 50, of Manor Crescent, Walton, denies three counts of misconduct, Jacqueline Flynn, 46, of The Leys, South Kirkby, denies two misconduct counts, and David Sunderland, 49, of Millcroft, Lofthouse, denies one misconduct charge.
The trial continues.