Linda De Sousa Abreu, a 30-year-old Prison officer at HMP Wandsworth, has admitted guilty to charges of misconduct in public office following a scandalous incident involving an inmate.
The case centres around a video showing De Sousa Abreu engaging in a sexual act with 36-year-old inmate Linton Weirich. The footage, recorded by Weirich’s cellmate, captured the act occurring in June within the confines of a prison cell while her radio transmitted messages in the background.
De Sousa Abreu, a Fulham resident, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court, where she pled guilty to the misconduct charge. Her sentencing has been scheduled for November. The court heard that she abused her position of authority by engaging in a sexual act with a prisoner, an action deemed a severe breach of public trust.
The incident came to light after De Sousa Abreu was arrested at Heathrow Airport while preparing to board a flight to Madrid, having notified the prison of her travel plans.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Tetteh Turkson condemned De Sousa Abreu’s actions, stating, “This was a shocking breach of the public’s trust. The CPS will prosecute those who abuse their positions of power, and De Sousa Abreu will now face the consequences.”
De Sousa Abreu, who holds a Portuguese passport, was granted conditional bail and will return to court on November 7.
Inmate Linton Weirich, who was sentenced in April for theft, was seen in the video and has since been reported to be under significant stress. His partner, who is seven months pregnant, has also been affected by the incident.
