Married Wandsworth Prison guard pleads guilty after sex with inmate in jail cell
Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, of Fulham, south-west London, was charged after a video of the activity was shared on social media.
A prison officer has pleaded guilty to misconduct after having sex with an inmate in a cell.
Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, of Fulham, south-west London, was charged after a video of the activity was shared on social media. A police investigation was launched after officers were made aware of a video filmed inside HMP Wandsworth in south London.
De Sousa Abreu was arrested and charged with misconduct in public office. She wore a light-coloured suit and brown top for the short hearing at Isleworth Crown Court in west London.
The charge states that De Sousa Abreu "wilfully and without reasonable excuse or justification misconducted yourself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public's trust in the office holder by engaging in a sexual act with a prisoner in a prison cell".
It happened at Wandsworth between June 26-28. During the X-rated video, which was shared online, De Sousa Abreu's colleagues can be heard on the officer's radio, left on a side table. The clip was filmed by a third person on a mobile phone, who could be heard saying: "Guys we've made history, this is what I'm telling you."
The Met immediately launched an investigation, later confirming that a woman had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The mother was arrested at Heathrow Airport and was due to catch a flight to Madrid having notified the prison of her travel plans.
Tetteh Turkson, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This was a shocking breach of the public’s trust. De Sousa was clearly an enthusiastic participant who wrongly thought she would avoid responsibility.
“The CPS recognises there is no excuse for any prison officer who conducts themselves in such a manner, and we will never hesitate to prosecute those who abuse their position of power.
“After working closely with the Metropolitan Police to build the strongest possible case, De Sousa had no option but to accept she was guilty. She will now rightly face the consequences of her actions.”
A Met Police spokeswoman previously said: "A police investigation was launched on June 28 after officers were made aware of a video filmed inside HMP Wandsworth. A woman was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office later that day."
A spokesman for HMP Prison Service said previously: "Staff corruption is not tolerated and the former prison officer allegedly featured in this video has been reported to the police. "
De Sousa Abreu, who holds a Portuguese passport, was granted conditional bail, and will next appear at Isleworth Crown Court on November 7.
