Woman Arrested Over Video Allegedly Showing Prison Officer Having Sex with Inmate
A woman has been arrested after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing a prison officer engaging in sexual activity with an inmate in a cell at HMP Wandsworth.
Scotland Yard initiated an investigation on Friday after becoming aware of the video reportedly filmed inside the prison. The woman was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office the same day and taken into police custody.
HMP Wandsworth is a category B men’s prison located in southwest London.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated, “Enquiries continue. We remain in close contact with the Ministry of Justice.”
A Prison Service spokesperson added, “Staff corruption is not tolerated, and the former prison officer allegedly featured in this video has been reported to the police. It would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation is ongoing.”
Just last month, a watchdog recommended that the jail be placed under emergency measures following an inspection that highlighted ongoing security failures, including the alleged escape of Daniel Khalife in September last year.
The “deeply concerning inspection” also revealed severe overcrowding, vermin infestations, drug problems, violence, and a rise in self-harm incidents, with seven prisoners having taken their own lives in the past year.
In response, the chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, wrote to the justice secretary, Alex Chalk, to issue an urgent notification for improvement.
Daniel Khalife, 22, is scheduled to go on trial at the Old Bailey in October. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.