Female Prison Officer Arrested Over Alleged Inmate Sex Video at HMP Wandsworth

A female prison officer has been arrested following the emergence of a video that allegedly shows her having sex with an inmate at HMP Wandsworth in London. The video, which has been widely shared on social media, has raised significant concerns about security and staff conduct within the prison system.

The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into the matter on June 28, 2024, after being made aware of the video. A woman was subsequently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office the same day. The suspect, identified as Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, from Fulham, has been charged with misconduct in public office and is due to appear in custody at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on July 1.

The incident comes two months after a watchdog called for HMP Wandsworth to be put into emergency measures due to concerns over ongoing failings in security and severe problems with overcrowding, drugs, violence, and self-harm.

HMP Wandsworth, a category B Victorian jail in south-west London, has been under scrutiny for its security issues. The prison, which was built in 1851, is currently operating at 163% of Certified Normal Accommodation, with more than 1,500 inmates.

The Ministry of Justice has not tolerated the alleged misconduct, stating that “Staff corruption is not tolerated.” The former prison officer featured in the video has been reported to the police.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The case has highlighted the need for tighter security measures and better oversight within the prison system to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.