A former prison officer Linda De Sousa Abreu who was seen engaging in sexual activity with an inmate at HMP Wandsworth has been imprisoned for 15 months.
Abreu, 31, accepted her misconduct in public office after a clip of her encounter with inmate Linton Weirich, 36, was released on social media.
The incident, which occurred on June 25, 2024 in the UK was recorded by Weirich’s cellmate. Abreu was seen in uniform engaging in sexual intercourse with Weirich.
The act has been condemned as a “shocking breach of the public’s trust” and has raised serious concerns about security and discipline within the prison system.
Abreu, a married swinger initially said she had sex under duress, fearing she would be raped if she did not accept the prisoners’ demands. The account was later proven to be inaccurate.
The court heard that Abreu had planned the encounter, ensuring she was alone on the axis with Weirich. She arranged with his cellmate to be on the lookout. She also admitted to previous instances of sexual intercourse with Weirich. This includes performing oral sex on him on the same day, an act partly-captured on her prison-issued body camera.
While highlighting the gravity of Abreu’s actions, Prosecutor Eloise Marshall KC declared that she had “undermined the authority of all prison staff” and “the trust of prisoners.”
HMP Wandsworth governor Andrew Davy in a statement said Abreu’s behaviour had “undone years of positive and rewarding prisoner interactions.”
Abreu’s defence argued that she suffered from a “severe personality disorder” and ADHD, which contributed to her “highly impulsive and reckless” behaviour.
However, Judge Martin Edmunds KC, sentencing Abreu, stressed the severity of her offences. He acknowledged the wider problems within the prison system but emphasised that Abreu’s actions had worsened them. He also explained the lasting damage caused by the viral video, which has led to harassment of prison officers and increased anxiety among families of prisoners.
Abreu who owns an OnlyFans account was slammed 15 months in prison, of which she will serve half in custody. She was also offered credit for 95 days under a qualifying curfew.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Tetteh Turkson said Abreu’s actions was a “shocking breach of the public’s trust” and emphasised the CPS’ commitment to prosecuting those who misuse their positions of authority.
