A prison officer filmed engaging in sexual activity with an inmate inside a jail cell has pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office.
Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, was charged following the circulation of footage taken inside HMP Wandsworth on social media.
The incident prompted a police investigation when officers were alerted to the video recorded within the south London prison.
De Sousa Abreu, from Fulham, south-west London, faced arrest and subsequent charges of misconduct in public office. Appearing in a light-colored suit and brown top at Isleworth Crown Court, she admitted to the charge, which stated she:
“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.”
The misconduct occurred between June 26 and 28 at HMP Wandsworth.
De Sousa Abreu was apprehended at Heathrow Airport while preparing to board a flight to Madrid, having informed prison authorities of her travel plans.
Tetteh Turkson of the Crown Prosecution Service commented on the case, stating:
“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.”
Linda De Sousa Abreu, who holds a Portuguese passport, was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear again at Isleworth Crown Court on Nov. 7.
