Australian prison psychologist Peta Mead suspended for “love affair” with inmate

September 11, 2007

On September 11, 2007, Australian psychologist Peta Michelle Mead was struck of that country’s medical register for engaging in a “love affair” with an inmate of the maximum security unit of the jail where she worked. Her activities included the exchange of love letters, accepting a wedding ring, flowers and a tape recording from the prisoner. The tribunal that heard her case ruled that her behavior was significantly below the standard reasonably expected of a registered psychologist and should be struck off for 18 months. ¹