A former prison officer at HMP Wandsworth has been sentenced to 15 months in jail after being filmed engaging in sexual activity with an inmate while on duty.
Linda De Sousa Abreu, 31, pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office after she was caught on video inside a prison cell with the inmate on 25 June last year. The encounter, which lasted nearly five minutes, was recorded by another prisoner and later shared widely on social media.
De Sousa Abreu was arrested at Heathrow Airport on 28 June while attempting to board a flight to Madrid. She had telephoned the prison earlier that day, informing them that she would not be returning to work.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During her sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, Judge Martin Edmunds KC condemned De Sousa Abreu’s actions, 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 heard that De Sousa Abreu had a history of poor mental health and trauma. It was also revealed that she had engaged in prior sexual encounters with the inmate and had permitted a second prisoner to be present and film the incident, during which she appeared to smoke cannabis.
Judge Edmunds noted that although she did not consent to the recording being published online, the video’s viral spread had severe repercussions. Female officers at HMP Wandsworth reported being subjected to abuse, harassment, and inappropriate advances from prisoners in the aftermath.
The judge stated: “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.” Some officers also reported that their children faced teasing at school due to the scandal.
Prison Service Response
Following the sentencing, a Prison Service spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to upholding integrity within the workforce: “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.”
The spokesperson highlighted increased efforts in vetting and counter-corruption measures, ensuring staff adhere to the highest professional standards.
Crown Prosecution Service representative Tetteh Turkson also condemned the act, calling it “a shocking breach of public trust.” He emphasized that 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, serving half in custody and the remainder on licence. She was also granted a 95-day sentence reduction due to wearing an electronic tag for 190 days prior to sentencing.
The incident has sparked discussions on prison security measures, staff misconduct, and the impact such cases have on maintaining discipline within correctional facilities.
