A former prison officer, who admitted to engaging in sexual activity with an inmate, has sparked controversy by appearing to mock her electronic monitoring device. Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, is currently awaiting sentencing for misconduct in public office, a charge she pleaded guilty to in July 2024.
The incident occurred at a daytime establishment in Fulham, an affluent area in West London. In a video that has since circulated, De Sousa Abreu is seen displaying her ankle tag, describing it as "cutesy" and "demure." This behavior has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some accusing her of not taking her punishment seriously.
De Sousa Abreu's actions took place at HMP Wandsworth, one of Western Europe's largest correctional facilities. Built in 1851, this Category B men's prison has housed notable figures such as Julian Assange and Oscar Wilde. The use of mobile phones within prison premises is strictly prohibited in the UK, yet footage of De Sousa Abreu's misconduct was captured and distributed among inmates.
The former officer's arrest occurred in June 2024 at Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest air travel hubs. As part of her bail conditions, De Sousa Abreu was required to wear an electronic tag, a monitoring method first introduced in the UK in 1989. These devices typically use GPS or radio frequency technology to track an individual's whereabouts.
"Clearly if she thinks her ankle tag is like a piece of jewellery, she didn't think it was a big deal."
The UK prison service, which employs over 22,000 officers, maintains strict regulations regarding relationships between staff and inmates. Misconduct in public office is a serious offense, potentially carrying a life sentence. De Sousa Abreu's case highlights the growing use of social media evidence in legal proceedings.
De Sousa Abreu, a Brazilian national, is currently unable to travel internationally, with her Portuguese passport in police custody. Her legal representative described her as a "young mother" and "a person of good character" during court proceedings.
The incident has also drawn attention to social media trends, particularly among Gen Z, individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. The term "demure," used by De Sousa Abreu, references a recent viral trend popularized by influencer Joolie Lebron.
As the UK grapples with prison reform and staff conduct issues, De Sousa Abreu's case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the correctional system. Her sentencing, scheduled for November 7, 2024, is eagerly anticipated by those following the case.