Meet the Banged Up Prison Team
CLARE PEARSON
Former Prison Governor
Service: 22 years
Clare started out on a graduate scheme and worked her way up to the rank of Governor. She has worked across 10 public sector prisons in total, and has governed 4 complex and high security (Category A/B) prisons including HMP Belmarsh and HMP Long Lartin. In 2020, she left the public prison service to become Director of HMP Dovegate, a Category B prison. Clare has left the prison service and now works as a Client Services Director.
ALEX MCCLINTOCK
Former Prison Officer
Service: 19 years
Alex worked as a prison officer at HMP Perth, a high security Cat A prison. He started out as a wing officer and ended his prison career working in the gym as a Physical Education Instructor. Alex now works for the men’s mental health charity ‘Andy’s Man Club’ as a project development champion. He overseas all the Scottish support groups and they meet every Monday evening for one-to-one support for mental health. He is also involved in several other mental health and recovery projects helping people with mental health conditions and addiction issues.
GEORGE SHIPTON
Former Prison Officer
Service: 12 years
George worked as a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh, a high security men’s prison. He worked on the landings for 2 years then volunteered to work in Belmarsh’s High Security Unit, a prison within a prison. George then trained within the service to become a Physical Education Instructor and served 2 years at HMP Whitemoor before moving back to Belmarsh as a PEI. Since leaving the service George now works as a London cabbie and is also a registered London tour guide.
JAXON FEELEY
Former Prison Officer
Service: 6 years
Jaxon worked as a prison officer at HMP Hindley, a YOI and male prison in Wigan. Before joining the prison service Jaxon served in the military for 4 years as an RAF Corporal. Jaxon is transgender and transitioned in 2020. He served 3 years as a female officer, and 3 years as Jaxon. After his transition returning to work was the scariest thing Jaxon’s been through but he was supported by the prisoners on his journey. He is a proud advocate for the Transgender Community, a podcast host and motivational speaker.
MELISSA BURGOYNE-COX
Former Prison Officer
Service: 6 years
Melissa worked as a prison officer at HMP Oakwood, a private Category C male prison. She worked as a landing officer on the same wing throughout her career. Having left the service, she wants to continue helping offenders outside prison gates. Melissa is currently working on a podcast series where she interviews ex-offenders that she met working on the landing. She hopes to change the public’s perception on offenders.
RACHEL WINNING
Former Prison Officer
Service: 15 years
Rachel served as a prison officer at lifer jail, HMP Gartree, for 10 years. Having risen to the rank of Senior Officer, she worked as part of the PIPE (Psychologically Informed Planned Environment) as well as in Equalities and OMU. On promotion to Custodial Manager she moved to HMP Leicester where she worked for 5 years until medical retirement. Rachel is now a full time mum and foster carer.
VICKY MORRELL
Former Prison Officer
Service: 13 years
Vicky worked as a residential officer at HMP Everthorpe, a Category C male prison from 2007-2011, and HMP Leeds, a Category B male prison from 2011-2020. She left to work in a school as a Head of Year, dealing with students who have difficult behaviour. In 2013 Vicky set up the charity ‘A Little Something Back’, working on offender rehabilitation and prevention of crime. An award winning social entrepreneur, she is also a mentor and consultant. Vicky volunteers for the Mums in Need charity in the social media & marketing department and is a single mum to two girls.
