A FEMALE prison officer has quit her job amid claims that she had a relationship with a jailed sex offender.

Bosses at Durham's top-security Frankland Prison suspended the officer, who has not been named, last month and launched an internal inquiry into the allegations.

Following her suspension, the prisoner involved, John Potts, was transferred to Durham Jail.

Potts, 32, of Southwick, Sunderland, was jailed for ten years in 1998 for indecently assaulting a 77-year-old pensioner in her home. His sentence was later reduced to seven years on appeal.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "The officer resigned from her position on December 1.

"We were holding an inquiry, which could possibly have ended with disciplinary proceedings, but because she has resigned no further action will be taken."

Potts was found guilty of molesting the widow in the bedroom of her warden-controlled flat while high on drink and drugs.

During committal proceedings at Sunderland Magistrates' Court, Potts slashed his throat with a razor blade he had smuggled into court.