A married officer from HMP Wandsworth has admitted to having a sexual relationship with an inmate, alleging that prisoners blackmailed her into filming the encounter. Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, confessed to engaging in sex with serial burglar Linton Weirich in his cell. She claims she was coerced into the act by threats from other inmates who discovered her previous career as an amateur porn star.

De Sousa Abreu pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in a public office during a hearing at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday. Her close friend, Hayley, who preferred to remain partially anonymous, spoke to MailOnline about the intense pressure Linda was under. Hayley explained that inmates had obtained Linda's personal details, including her home address, her husband's name, and her OnlyFans account.

"There's a lot more to this story than people think," Hayley stated. "Some of the prisoners had got hold of Linda's personal details. They knew her address, her husband's name, and that she had an OnlyFans account. She was put under a lot of pressure, and there was a lot of coercion involved."

Hayley further described the distress De Sousa Abreu experienced at work and the strain it placed on her marriage. "Linda was going through a very hard time at work because of all this. And she was also having problems in her marriage. She's absolutely devastated by what happened and is full of remorse. It's absolutely devastated her, and she's trying to rebuild her life."

Living on a council estate in Fulham, close to where Weirich grew up, De Sousa Abreu's personal details were easily accessible to the inmates. Despite the scandal, she remains married to her husband, with whom she shares an eight-year-old daughter. Hayley emphasised the efforts the couple is making to salvage their marriage amidst the turmoil.

"They're a lovely couple and working hard to save their marriage. It's not been easy for them. People are trying to make out that Linda is some kind of sex monster, but that's not the case at all. She is a very kind and caring person who has made a terrible mistake. We all get things wrong in life, and people shouldn't be so quick to judge her."

After her misconduct was uncovered, De Sousa Abreu was identified by HMP Wandsworth staff and subsequently arrested by the Metropolitan Police at Heathrow Airport as she attempted to fly to Madrid. She contacted the prison, stating she would not return to work and arranged for her husband to return her equipment.

In the aftermath of her arrest, Hayley revealed that De Sousa Abreu has 'found faith in God,' which has been a source of comfort for her. As she awaits sentencing in November, Linda is focused on rebuilding her life and repairing her relationship with her family.

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