Linda De Sousa Abreu: The Prison Officer Who Made Headlines for All the Wrong Reasons Age, Viral Video, Reddit Frenzy, and a Scandal That Shook the System
Linda De Sousa Abreu, a 31-year-old former prison officer at HMP Wandsworth, didn’t just cross professional boundaries—she obliterated them in a scandal that rocked the internet and the justice system. A viral video showing her engaging in sexual acts with an inmate in his cell turned her into an overnight sensation for all the wrong reasons. From Reddit debates to viral memes, her story became a grim cautionary tale of power, betrayal, and professional misconduct. Here’s the full story of her age, the explosive video, the internet’s reaction, and the legal downfall that followed.
1. A Life of Contradictions: Linda De Sousa Abreu’s Background
At 31, Linda De Sousa Abreu led a life filled with contradictions. Born in Venezuela and holding a Portuguese passport, she was a married mother of one working as a prison officer while moonlighting as an OnlyFans creator. She also appeared on Channel 4’s swingers show, Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, openly discussing non-monogamy. Her unconventional choices painted a picture of someone juggling vastly different identities, a precarious balance that would soon unravel.
2. The Viral Video: When Boundaries Were Broken
In June 2024, a video surfaced showing De Sousa Abreu having sex with inmate Linton Weirich in his cell. The footage, recorded by another inmate on an unauthorized phone, captured her in full uniform, leaving no doubt about her role in the prison. Background commentary from the inmate filming included, “This is how we live at Wandsworth, bruv,” and “Guys, we’ve made history.”
The video quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), amassing millions of views and sparking a frenzy of memes and discussions. To make matters worse, it emerged that De Sousa Abreu had inadvertently recorded another sexual encounter with Weirich on her prison-issued body camera. The phrase “caught in the act” took on an entirely new meaning.
3. Public Reaction: Outrage and Obsession
The internet erupted with a mix of outrage, humor, and morbid curiosity. Reddit threads dissected every aspect of the scandal, with users criticizing De Sousa Abreu for tarnishing the reputation of female prison officers. Memes about the “Wandsworth lifestyle” and her wearing a wedding ring during the act dominated social media.
On X, reactions ranged from disbelief to dark humor. While some condemned her for breaching trust and professional ethics, others couldn’t resist joking about the absurdity of the situation. Her actions had made her a viral sensation—and a cautionary figure.
4. Legal Consequences: From Officer to Inmate
De Sousa Abreu’s downfall was swift. She was arrested at Heathrow Airport while attempting to flee to Madrid with her father. After pleading guilty to misconduct in public office, she was sentenced to 15 months in prison on January 6, 2025, with half her sentence to be served in custody and the rest on license.
Judge Martin Edmunds KC described her actions as a series of deliberate choices that undermined prison discipline and endangered her colleagues. Her failed escape attempt and false claims of acting under duress further damaged her credibility.
5. Fallout for Female Prison Officers
De Sousa Abreu’s actions had far-reaching consequences for her colleagues, especially female prison officers at HMP Wandsworth. Many reported increased harassment from inmates who now viewed them as “fair game.” Governor Andrew Davy lamented that her behavior had set back years of progress in fostering respect for women in the male-dominated prison environment.
Even the children of female officers weren’t spared, facing teasing at school about their mothers’ jobs. The ripple effects of her misconduct extended beyond the prison walls, tarnishing perceptions of female professionals in corrections.
6. A Troubled Mind: Psychological Insights
During the trial, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Iain Kooyman testified that De Sousa Abreu had borderline personality disorder and ADHD, conditions that contributed to her impulsive and reckless behavior. She described feeling a sense of power and safety in her relationship with Weirich, calling him her “protector” and admitting she “felt like a gangster” during their encounters.
Despite her claims of being groomed and acting under duress, the court found her an active and willing participant. Her initial lies and attempts to flee only deepened doubts about her version of events.
7. Life Behind Bars: From Uniform to Inmate Stripes
De Sousa Abreu is now serving her sentence at HMP Bronzefield, a high-profile women’s prison housing notorious inmates like baby serial killer Lucy Letby. To ensure her safety, she resides in House Block 4, which offers enhanced privileges such as private courtyards and en-suite showers.
Conclusion
Linda De Sousa Abreu’s scandal is a stark reminder of the consequences of personal choices colliding with professional responsibilities. Her actions not only landed her in prison but also caused lasting damage to the reputation of female prison officers and the integrity of the system. While her story has captivated and horrified the public, it stands as a cautionary tale of how far-reaching the impact of one person’s actions can be.