Key Facts
Linda De Sousa Abreu, 31, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for misconduct in a public office.
The former HMP Wandsworth prison officer was filmed engaging in sexual activity with an inmate while on duty.
The incident, recorded by another inmate, went viral on social media, leading to widespread consequences within the prison system.
Incident Details
On June 25, 2024, De Sousa Abreu entered an inmate's cell during her shift at HMP Wandsworth in London and engaged in sexual activity. The act, which lasted nearly five minutes, was recorded by a second inmate, reportedly with her consent to film but not to distribute the footage. The video was later shared online, sparking public outrage.
She was arrested three days later at Heathrow Airport while attempting to board a flight to Madrid. Authorities confirmed she had called the prison earlier that day, stating she would not be returning to work.
Court Proceedings
De Sousa Abreu pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office in July 2024. During sentencing, Judge Martin Edmunds KC emphasized the seriousness of her actions, stating they undermined prison discipline and endangered fellow officers.
The court heard that De Sousa Abreu had a history of mental health struggles and trauma. Despite this, the judge noted her "evident enthusiasm" in the recorded act, which included another sexual encounter with the same inmate earlier that day and a similar incident days prior.
Impact on Prison Staff and System
The viral nature of the footage caused significant harm to female staff at HMP Wandsworth. Some officers reported increased harassment from inmates, including sexual advances and verbal abuse. Others mentioned their children were ridiculed at school due to the incident. Judge Edmunds remarked that the video's fallout extended beyond HMP Wandsworth, affecting the broader prison system.
Sentence and Reaction
De Sousa Abreu was sentenced to 15 months in prison, serving half in custody and the remainder on license. A 95-day reduction was applied due to her time wearing an electronic tag. The Prison Service emphasized its commitment to addressing corruption and misconduct among staff, highlighting efforts to strengthen vetting and enforcement.
Tetteh Turkson of the Crown Prosecution Service described the incident as "a shocking breach of the public's trust," underscoring that De Sousa Abreu wrongly believed she could avoid accountability.
Bottom Line
This case underscores the severe consequences of misconduct within the prison system. It highlights the need for strict adherence to professional standards to maintain safety, discipline, and public trust in correctional institutions.
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