Linda De Sousa Abreu, aged 30, faced charges following the circulation of a viral video depicting explicit activity online.
She appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court dressed in all grey, where she spoke only to confirm her name, address, and date of birth. Afterward, she covered her face and left court carrying a large suitcase.
The Metropolitan Police initiated an urgent investigation on Friday after becoming aware of a video reportedly filmed inside HMP Wandsworth in south London between June 26 and 28.
Ms. De Sousa Abreu was apprehended at Heathrow Airport, where she was about to board a flight to Madrid, having notified the prison of her travel plans, as disclosed in court.
Prosecutor Niamh McDonagh informed the court: “Ms. De Sousa Abreu was detained at Heathrow Airport, where she had a flight booked for Madrid. It is my understanding that she has family residing there. Police seized a Portuguese passport from her at the time of apprehension, as she holds Portuguese nationality.”
In her defense, Gayathri Yogarajah stated that Ms. De Sousa Abreu had informed HMP Wandsworth of her travel intentions, which were then relayed to Scotland Yard.
The 30-year-old was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear for a plea and case management hearing on July 29 at Isleworth Crown Court. She is required to remain at her designated address in southwest London.
Her Portuguese passport remains in police custody, and she is prohibited from attempting to retrieve it or possessing any international travel documents. Additionally, she must surrender her Portuguese identity card, which she could potentially use for travel purposes.
Ms. De Sousa Abreu is also under an electronic monitoring order between the hours of 9am and 7pm and is forbidden from entering any UK ports.
A spokesperson from the Prison Service stated: “Staff corruption is not tolerated, and the former prison officer allegedly involved in this video has been reported to the police. Further comment would be inappropriate while the investigation is ongoing.”
