Linda De Sousa Abreu, a 30-year-old prison officer, became a household name after a video of her having sex with an inmate inside HMP Wandsworth went viral. The footage, filmed by another prisoner on a contraband phone, showed De Sousa Abreu in full uniform engaging in sexual activity with inmate Linton Weirich. The video quickly spread across social media, sparking public outrage and triggering a police investigation.
The Investigation and Arrest
Authorities launched an immediate inquiry once the video surfaced online. Linda De Sousa Abreu, a mother of one from Fulham, was identified as the officer in the footage and arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to leave the country for Madrid. She had informed the prison she would not return to work, possibly hoping to escape the mounting scandal. The Metropolitan Police charged her with misconduct in public office, a serious offence that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Linda De Sousa Abreu appeared at Isleworth Crown Court in July and pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. The court heard that she had consented to the sexual encounter and even allowed a second prisoner to film the act while appearing to smoke cannabis. The judge emphasized the severe consequences of her actions, stating that her conduct undermined discipline within the prison and put fellow officers at risk. On January 6, 2025, the court sentenced De Sousa Abreu to 15 months in jail, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on license.
Impact on the Prison and Staff
The viral video had far-reaching effects on HMP Wandsworth and its staff. Female officers reported increased harassment and abuse from inmates, who began to view them as “fair game” due to the incident. Some officers’ children faced teasing at school, further highlighting the personal toll of the scandal2. Prison authorities stressed that while most staff uphold high standards, they are strengthening vetting processes to catch those who breach the rules.
Linda De Sousa’s Background and Online Persona
Linda De Sousa Abreu is not new to public attention. She and her husband run an OnlyFans account, sharing explicit content under pseudonyms like “Linda from the Playroom” and “La Madre”. She has openly discussed her views on relationships, appearing on Channel 4’s “Open House: The Great Sex Experiment” and advocating for open relationships over monogamy. Her sister described her as a swinger and warned her against mixing her private lifestyle with her professional duties.
Aftermath and Public Reaction
After the video went viral, Linda De Sousa Abreu attempted to flee to Madeira, where she has family but was intercepted at Heathrow. She later appeared in public, seemingly unfazed by her punishment, even mocking her ankle tag at a club in Fulham8. This behaviour drew criticism, with some accusing her of not taking her sentence seriously. The scandal continues to fuel debates about professionalism, boundaries, and security within the UK prison system.
The Case of Linda De Sousa in Media
The story of Linda De Sousa Abreu has dominated headlines and social media discussions since the incident emerged. Her name, Linda De Sousa, remains associated with one of the most notorious breaches of conduct in recent UK prison history. The case highlights the challenges faced by the prison service in maintaining discipline and trust, particularly in high-pressure environments such as HMP Wandsworth.