Overview of the Incident at HM Wandsworth Prison
Linda De Sousa Abreu, a former guard at HM Wandsworth Prison, one of the U.K.'s most notorious correctional facilities, has been charged with misconduct. This follows the emergence of a compromising video depicting her in a sexual act with an inmate. The footage, shot by the inmate's cellmate on a mobile phone, showed De Sousa Abreu in her uniform during the act. This alarming revelation was first reported by the Daily Mail.
Metropolitan Police's Response
Upon learning about the video, the Metropolitan Police promptly commenced an investigation, which led to the arrest of the 30-year-old De Sousa Abreu. She has been charged with misconduct in a public office and appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court. Pending her plea scheduled for July 29, she was granted bail under stringent conditions, including a travel ban and curfew adherence.
De Sousa Abreu's Background and Social Media Presence
In addition to her role as a prison guard, it has been disclosed that De Sousa Abreu was active on the social media platform OnlyFans, where she shared content. She is married and appeared alongside her husband, an MMA fighter, on the Channel 4 program "Open House: The Great Sex Experiment." Following the scandal, De Sousa Abreu resigned from her position.
Broad Impact on U.K. Prisons
The incident has spotlighted the persistent issue of improper relationships between prison staff and inmates. Reports indicate that over 80 prison employees, comprising 59 women and 24 men, have been dismissed for such conduct in the U.K. since 2013. Specifically, HMP Berwyn in North Wales has reported 18 cases involving female staff since its inauguration in 2017.
