A former officer at HMP Wandsworth, Linda De Sousa Abreu, 31, has been sentenced to 15 months in jail after being caught on camera having sex with an inmate while on duty. The incident, which lasted nearly five minutes, was recorded inside a prison cell by another prisoner and subsequently went viral online.
De Sousa Abreu pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office following the release of the damning footage. The event took place on 25 June last year when she was caught in the act. Just days later, on 28 June, she was arrested at Heathrow Airport as she attempted to flee to Madrid. Earlier that day, she had called in sick and stated she would not be returning to work.
At Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Martin Edmunds KC criticised De Sousa Abreu’s behaviour, stating, “You engaged in sexual activity with a prisoner. That compromised your role as an officer and was misconduct which undermines discipline within the prison, putting fellow officers at increased risk.” The court was informed that she had a history of mental health issues and trauma.
Further details revealed that this was not an isolated incident. De Sousa Abreu had previously engaged in sexual encounters with the same inmate and had even allowed another prisoner to film the latest incident while she appeared to be smoking cannabis. The viral video caused significant disruption within the prison.
Female officers at Wandsworth reported experiencing abuse, harassment, and unwanted advances from inmates following the scandal. Some officers also stated that their children faced bullying and teasing at school as a result of the incident. Judge Edmunds added, “Whether you intended it or not, the fact is that the video went viral and caused great harm, not only to yourself but to other officers at HMP Wandsworth.”
A Prison Service spokesperson commented, “While the overwhelming majority of Prison Service staff are hardworking and honest, we are taking stronger measures to identify and take action against those who break the rules.” They also confirmed that tougher vetting and anti-corruption measures have been introduced to maintain professionalism and discipline within the workforce.
Crown Prosecution Service’s Tetteh Turkson condemned the “shocking breach of public trust” and said, “De Sousa Abreu was clearly an enthusiastic participant who wrongly thought she would avoid responsibility.”
De Sousa Abreu was sentenced to 15 months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence. She also received a 95-day reduction due to 190 days spent on an electronic tag before sentencing.
This case has prompted urgent discussions on prison security, staff conduct, and measures to safeguard discipline within correctional facilities.
Originally published by UKNIP.
