Linton Weirich, the inmate who became infamous for a viral video showing him having sex with a prison guard at HMP Wandsworth, has described the incident as the biggest regret of his life. The 38-year-old, who has been incarcerated four times since 2003, spoke about the profound impact the scandal has had on his personal relationships and his safety behind bars.
The Viral Incident and Its Aftermath
In 2024, a graphic clip of Weirich engaging in sexual acts with married prison officer Linda De Sousa Abreu circulated widely online, prompting a police investigation. Weirich stated that while some people called him a legend, the consequences were devastating. He said: "People called me a legend, but the effect it's had is terrible. It caused so much damage to my partner, my family and myself. It's the biggest regret of my life and it damaged everything."
Following the video's release, Weirich was transferred from HMP Wandsworth to HMP Swaleside, where he was reportedly brutally attacked. He described the assault as "part of the ripple effect of what happened."
Criticism of Prison Conditions
Weirich also criticized the current state of the prison system, claiming discipline has declined and staff corruption has increased. He contrasted his early experiences with the current environment: "When I was first inside, the officers were ex-Army officers or security guards and it was like a boot camp. But now they've got young girls and 19 and 20-year-old guys working as guards and trying to tell us what to do. There's no discipline." He added that many staff are corrupt, making more money from smuggling contraband than from their salaries.
According to Weirich, De Sousa Abreu would bring in food from Nando's and Chinese restaurants for inmates, charging them 150 pounds for items worth 30 or 40 pounds. He claimed payments were made via bank transfers or cash brought in by visitors.
The Guard's Perspective
De Sousa Abreu resigned after the sex tape emerged. She admitted misconduct in a public office on July 29, 2024, and was sentenced to 15 months in jail on January 6, 2025. She served five months at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey before being released on a tag. When approached by The Sun at her West London home, she denied bringing in Nando's for Weirich and his friends but acknowledged that Wandsworth was "very understaffed" and "hard to manage." She expressed regret, saying: "Everyone's doing something. I regret everything I did. I'm incredibly embarrassed."
Weirich, however, said he has not thought about her and simply wants to move on with his life.
Official Response
A Ministry of Justice spokesman defended the prison service, stating: "The overwhelming majority of our prison staff are dedicated, hardworking professionals. We're cracking down on those who aren't through tougher vetting, a strengthened Counter-Corruption Unit and over 40 million pounds in physical security to clamp down on the contraband that fuels violence in jails."
