Supporters plan a vigil for Gaie Delap, a Bristol grandmother jailed over a tagging issue, on her 78th birthday this week
Bristol: Supporters of Gaie Delap are holding a vigil outside the prison where she’s being held. They’re doing this because she was recalled to prison over a tagging issue.
This vigil is set for Friday, January 10, which is also Gaie’s 78th birthday. The Quakers in Bristol are leading the event, and folks will gather at the Huntsman pub before walking to Eastwood Park women’s prison.
Gaie’s situation has stirred up a lot of anger among politicians and activists. Even celebrities like Chris Packham have spoken out about it. They’re all concerned about her health, especially since she was getting treatment before going back to prison.
She was part of a Just Stop Oil protest that caused traffic chaos on the M25 last year. After getting a 20-month sentence, she was released to serve the rest of her time at home with an electronic tag. But due to her health issues, she can’t wear a tag on her ankle, and the contractors couldn’t find a smaller one for her wrist.
There’s been some confusion too. The contractors claimed Gaie refused the tag, which she strongly denies. Her legal team believes the contractors misled the probation service, leading to her being sent back to prison.
Since her recall before Christmas, her local MP has been advocating for her, and Chris Packham even made a heartfelt appeal on social media. He pointed out that Gaie is a retired teacher and that her protest aligns with current government policy.
Despite the appeals, Gaie remains in prison. Her next step is a legal challenge against the paperwork that got her recalled. A fundraiser to support her legal fight has already surpassed its initial goal, showing a lot of public support.
Her brother expressed how upset she is about the situation, feeling trapped in a web of lies. Friends are also speaking out, saying keeping her in prison is a waste of taxpayer money. They believe there are better ways to monitor her that would allow her to serve her sentence at home, which would be healthier for her and save money.
