Authorities in the UK on Friday June 28, 2024, arrested a former prison officer following the emergence of explicit footage showing her engaging in sexual activities with an inmate inside HMP Wandsworth.
Linda De Sousa Abreu, who had recently resigned from her position, is now being held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The video, which surfaced recently, depicts De Sousa Abreu in her prison uniform engaging in sexual acts with an inmate in a Category A jail cell in south-west London.
The inmate’s cellmate filmed the encounter on a mobile phone, capturing scenes that have prompted widespread concern and outrage.
In the footage, De Sousa Abreu is seen performing a sex act before engaging in further activities with the inmate.
The cellmate, who is seen smoking while recording, can be heard saying, “Guys, we’ve made history, this is what I’m telling you.”
The prison officer’s radio can be heard crackling with the voices of her colleagues, who were unaware of the incident unfolding in the cell.
At one point, an individual attempts to enter the cell, prompting the man filming to ask for a moment’s pause.
The inmate with the camera then pans around the cell, declaring, “This is how we roll in Wandsworth,” and comments to his friend, “You know you’re gangster, innit!”
The footage provides a glimpse into the interior of the cell, showing a television and piles of clothes on a bunk bed. The incident has raised serious questions about security and conduct within the prison system.
De Sousa Abreu’s resignation and subsequent arrest come as the prison system faces increased scrutiny.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, aiming to address the broader implications of this case and ensure accountability within the prison system.
The scandal has highlighted the challenges faced by correctional institutions in maintaining professional standards and safeguarding against misconduct.
