Ex-Prison Officer Linda De Sousa Abreu Jailed for Sex with Inmate at HMP Wandsworth

A former officer at HMP Wandsworth, Linda De Sousa Abreu, who had sex with an inmate while working at the prison, was sentenced to 15 months in jail. The woman, 30, was caught in a viral video filmed inside the prison after she pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. The video which went viral was followed by the investigation of prison authorities.

Abreu was apprehended at Heathrow Airport in July, heading out to fly to Madrid with her father. The incident happened between June 26 and June 28 in HMP Wandsworth, a high-security prison for men. In addition to the video, other evidence has appeared, such as footage on Abreu’s body-worn camera showing that she had also been having sex with the same inmate at some other time.

Andrew Davy, the governor of Wandsworth Prison, was disappointed, as he said that Abreu’s actions had a negative impact on the efforts to ensure the safety and respect of female staff in all-male prisons. “It took less than a day to undo years of work,” Davy said in a partial written statement to Isleworth Crown Court.

The governor also highlighted the wider ramifications of Abreu’s behavior, where several female staff members in Wandsworth reported receiving unwanted advances from prisoners after the incident. “Female officers are now being considered ‘fair game,’ he said.

The Honourable Judge Martin Edmunds KC, in his remarks, condemned Abreu’s behavior as part of a pattern rather than an isolated act. He made special mention of holding public servants accountable, especially those responsible for the safety and welfare of inmates.

The Prison Service has since responded to the case by assuring the public that the vast majority of prison staff are committed professionals. However, the spokesperson pointed out that the Prison Service is increasing efforts to root out corruption and uphold high standards through strengthened vetting processes and a dedicated Counter Corruption Unit.

According to the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), while the proportion of corrupt staff within the prisons is relatively small, those individuals present a significant threat to the integrity of the system and to the safety of colleagues and inmates.

The case of Abreu will be a stern reminder to the prison service on the need to maintain professional conduct. As the case continues to be investigated, the case is likely to raise further questions on prison staff conduct and oversight procedures.