Ex-Prison Officer Linda Abreu Jailed for Misconduct with Inmate Linton Weirich

Linda De Sousa Abreu, a 30-year-old former prison officer at HMP Wandsworth, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for engaging in sexual activities with an inmate, Linton Weirich. The incident came to light after a video of the act went viral online, leading to her swift identification by senior prison staff.

Abreu was arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to travel to Madrid with her father. She had previously pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office, with the events occurring between June 26 and June 28 of the previous year at the South London prison.

During the trial, prosecutors disclosed the discovery of another incriminating video on Abreu‘s body-worn camera, showing a separate sexual act with the same inmate. Judge Martin Edmunds KC noted that this was part of a pattern of repeated misconduct, not an isolated event.

The Prison Service reaffirmed its commitment to upholding high standards after the sentencing. A spokesperson emphasized efforts to combat corruption, stating, “While the vast majority of our staff are dedicated and honest, we are intensifying efforts to catch the small minority who break the rules through strengthened vetting and a bolstered Counter Corruption Unit. As shown by today’s sentencing, we take robust action against those who fail to meet our standards.”