UK prison officer jailed after viral video reveals sexual misconduct with inmate

A former UK prison officer, Linda De Sousa Abreu, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after being caught on video engaging in sexual activity with an inmate, a recording that later went viral online.

The 30-year-old was identified by senior prison staff at Wandsworth Prison when the explicit footage began circulating on social media. Abreu was apprehended at Heathrow Airport while attempting to board a flight to Madrid with her father. She had already admitted to misconduct in public office prior to her arrest.

Andrew Davy, governor of Wandsworth Prison, highlighted the far-reaching impact of Abreu’s actions in a statement to Isleworth Crown Court. “Her behavior has undone in less than a day the years of effort female staff had invested to build respect and trust in the all-male prison,” he said. Davy added that since the incident, female staff members have reported being “hit on” more frequently by inmates, who now consider them “fair game.”

The court heard that the misconduct captured in the viral video occurred between June 26 and June 28. During the investigation, a second recording was discovered on Abreu’s prison-issued body-worn camera, showing her performing a sex act on the same inmate. She also admitted to engaging in sexual relations with the prisoner on another occasion.

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Judge Martin Edmunds KC, who presided over the case, described the incident as part of a pattern of misconduct rather than a one-time lapse in judgment.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police confirmed ongoing investigations into the two prisoners featured in the video.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service commented on the case, stating: “While the overwhelming majority of Prison Service staff are hardworking and honest, we’re catching more of the small minority who break the rules by bolstering our Counter Corruption Unit and strengthening our vetting processes. As today’s sentencing demonstrates, where officers do fall below our high standards, we won’t hesitate to take robust action.”

The Prison Officers’ Association, which represents prison staff, acknowledged the damage caused by Abreu’s actions. While emphasizing that such cases are rare, the group noted that corrupt individuals undermine the efforts of their colleagues who uphold professional standards.

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