A grandmother and climate activist who was jailed for her involvement in a Just Stop Oil protest has spoken out about her troubling experience in prison, shedding light on concerning issues within the justice system.
Arrest and Prison Sentence Details
Gaie Delap, a 78-year-old Quaker and artist, was imprisoned after participating in a climate demonstration that brought the M25 motorway to a halt in November 2022.
Her actions, along with three other activists, resulted in a prison sentence of 20 months handed down at Basildon Crown Court for breaching a National Highways injunction.
Despite being released early on a home detention curfew, her freedom was short-lived due to an unexpected complication.
Electronic Tag Complication
Delap’s release conditions required her to wear an electronic tag, but due to her small wrists, fitting the device became impossible.
The Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) attempted to place the tag on her wrist instead of her ankle, but it couldn’t be secured properly.
Despite following her release terms, a warrant was issued for her arrest on December 5, leading to her return to prison at HMP Eastwood Park.
Troubling Conditions in Prison
While incarcerated, Delap witnessed multiple shortcomings in the prison system.
She claimed to have seen medication mishandling, staffing issues, and inadequate educational support for inmates.
One incident involved a woman with a colostomy bag being offered a plastic dog waste bag instead of a proper replacement.
Another case involved a wheelchair user who was denied appropriate-sized incontinence pads.
Delap also described a baffling experience upon entering prison when staff insisted she take a pregnancy test.
“I burst out laughing,” she recalled, explaining that she refused the request, calling it “insulting.”
Family’s Reaction and Emotional Toll
Delap’s daughter, Lily Pridie, expressed shock at the severity of the sentence.
She mentioned how Delap’s grandchildren, both under the age of one, would deeply feel her absence, adding that the family would also struggle without her childcare support.
Wider Debate on Activism and Justice
The M25 protest sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some condemning the disruption while others defended the activists’ cause.
Figures like former Newsnight host Emily Maitlis compared the group’s actions to historic movements like the Suffragettes and Rosa Parks.
Government and NHS Response
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged that the current prison system is failing many women and highlighted steps to improve conditions.
This includes the launch of a Women’s Justice Board aimed at reducing female incarceration and enhancing support for those who remain imprisoned.
Meanwhile, the NHS confirmed that healthcare spending at HMP Peterborough has been increased by over 20% to improve medical care and staff training.
What Lies Ahead
As Delap reflects on her challenging prison experience, her story has sparked broader discussions about the justice system’s treatment of vulnerable individuals and the ongoing challenges faced by female prisoners.