By Damilola Adeleke

Linda De Sousa Abreu, a former officer at HMP Wandsworth, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after admitting to misconduct in public office. The 30-year-old was filmed engaging in sexual activities with an inmate, a video that later went viral online.

Abreu was arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to board a flight to Madrid with her father. Investigations revealed that her actions were not isolated; another recording of her performing a sex act with the same prisoner was found on her body-worn camera.

The incidents, which occurred between June 26 and 28, 2024, have drawn widespread criticism. In a statement to Isleworth Crown Court, Andrew Davy, the governor of Wandsworth, condemned Abreu’s actions, stating that they undermined years of efforts by female staff in male prisons. He noted an increase in female staff being harassed by inmates, who now see them as “fair game.”

The Prison Service described the incident as a betrayal of professional standards. A spokesperson emphasized that while most staff are hardworking and honest, stronger measures are being implemented to counter corruption and improve vetting processes.

The Prison Officers’ Association acknowledged the existence of a small number of corrupt individuals but reiterated their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the profession.

Judge Martin Edmunds KC highlighted that Abreu’s actions were part of repeated misconduct, not a singular lapse. The Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigations into the inmates involved in the incident.This case has sparked renewed discussions on the challenges of maintaining professional boundaries in prisons and the need for robust counter-corruption mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of the correctional system.