A female prison officer who earlier created controversy after having sex with an inmate on camera made headlines again and for all the wrong reasons. This time, she was seen showing off her ankle tag while calling it “very demure” and “very cutesy”. She quoted the viral TikTok trend while recording a video during a party at a daytime club.
30-year-old Linda De Sousa Abreu was caught with serial burglar Linton Weirich in his cell. Following the scandal, she pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office act at Isleworth Crown Court. Police launched an investigation against her after a video of her having sex went viral on social media.
De Sousa Abreu's description of the ankle tag as “demure” is a reference to a recent viral trend popular with Gen Z. Popularised by influencer Joolie Lebron, the term has spawned thousands of similar videos using the turn of phrase to poke fun at expectations of female behaviour – particularly in the workplace.
In the recent controversial video, De Sousa is stroking her tag with her foot up on a table. She is also heard saying, “Very mindful, very cutesy, very demure.”
The source added: “Clearly if she thinks her ankle tag is like a piece of jewellery, she didn’t think it was a big deal.”
De Sousa Abreu, who is Brazilian, was originally arrested in June at Heathrow Airport after a video emerged of her having sex with an inmate at HMP Wandsworth, where she worked as an officer. The footage was taken on illegally held phones and circulated among inmates.
In the video, the former prison officer can be seen lifting her foot onto a table, showing off the tag. With friends laughing in the background, she says of the tracking device: “It looks good. Very mindful. Very cutesy. Very demure.”
Public Outrage and Punishment
The source further told the outlet, “She disgraced herself in a public office and now she has no care whatsoever for the punishment.” The person added, “Clearly if she thinks her ankle tag is like a piece of jewellery, she didn’t think it was a big deal.”
De Sousa is subjected to “strict” bail conditions, including leaving her Portuguese passport in police possession. She cannot apply for international travel documents or enter any UK travel ports.
Bail Conditions and Sentencing
During De Sousa’s hearing at Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Martin Edmunds also clarified that she was under an electronically monitored curfew between 7 pm and 9 am each day.
De Sousa Abreu pleaded guilty to misconduct in a public office in July after having sex with a male inmate in a cell at HMP Wandsworth, and is due to be sentenced in November. Following her plea at Isleworth Crown Court, she was granted conditional bail which imposed a curfew, monitored by an electronic tag worn around her ankle.
A Viral Trend Gone Wrong?
De Sousa Abreu’s actions have sparked outrage, with many questioning her attitude towards her punishment. Critics argue that her flippant behavior towards her ankle tag, a symbol of her wrongdoing, demonstrates a lack of remorse and disrespect for the law. They argue that her actions contribute to a larger issue of disrespect for authority figures and a lack of seriousness surrounding prison officer misconduct.
A Question of Morality
This case raises crucial questions about the ethical boundaries of prison officers and the consequences of their actions. It also highlights the impact of social media trends on individual behaviour and the perception of punishment. De Sousa Abreu's case is a stark reminder that the actions of individuals in positions of power can have serious consequences, and that accountability is essential for maintaining public trust.
The Legacy of a Scandal
As De Sousa Abreu awaits sentencing, her case will likely continue to be a subject of public scrutiny and debate. The question remains whether her actions will result in a stricter approach to prison officer misconduct and a greater emphasis on accountability. De Sousa Abreu's actions have left a mark on the public consciousness, raising concerns about the integrity of the prison system and the potential for abuse of power.
