78yr old woman is in prison through no fault of hers

So she has to serve the term she was sentenced to rather than being released early on licence. She was imprisoned because she committed a criminal offence so the title is rather misleading.

At least she'll be warm and can stop scratching around to find the money to pay her electricity bill.

I’m not sure how I feel about this.

This particular protest caused carnage, many thousands of journeys were disrupted as a result of this protest.

We live in a country where train drivers will not walk across snow to drive their trains, public transport is just not an option.

She is an intelligent woman and knew the consequences.

Barleyfields she should be out on licence except for the fact that a suitable tagging device is not available.
That is not her fault, so the heading is not misleading.

I agree, Sago. Hard to feel any sympathy.

NittWitt

Barleyfields she should be out on licence except for the fact that a suitable tagging device is not available.
That is not her fault, so the heading is not misleading.

But it is her own fault that she was convicted in the first place, surely?

I disagree NittWitt. The title implies that an innocent woman is in prison. She was found guilty and given a 20 month custodial sentence. I notice someone’s been quick to get lawyers involved - very likely Just Stop Oil.

I will reserve sympathy for those who deserve it. She has broken the law and I can understand that tagging devices aren't usually made to suit 78 year old women

No sympathy for the woman at all.

Her lawyer says "she is a 77 year old teacher"

My thought on that is... and?

As Barleyfields said - So she has to serve the term she was sentenced to rather than being released early on licence. She was imprisoned because she committed a criminal offence so the title is rather misleading.

The point of disruptive protest is that you are so concerned to make your point, you do it despite the fact you know you are breaking the law and you are prepared to face the punishment. That is what the law is for.

She was fit enough to block the M25 so is fit enough to finish her sentence, if she were 28 this would not get a mention.

I don't agree with what she did in any way whatsoever but I do think she is entitled to be treated the same as other offenders who have been released under the early release scheme. Unless she is ill, her age isnt relevant, its a straightforward matter of equality under the law.

There has in the past been criticism of tags being fitted to children so I think it highly unlikely that there is not a wrist or ankle tag which would fit this woman. It was claimed that she refused to wear one. I think that’s the more credible version.

As a 77 year old teacher she should know better and I have zero sympathy. I have no problem with peaceful protest but not where people are prevented from getting to work and ambulances cannot pass; these are stupid people who think it's ok to throw paint on works of art and generally disrupt the lives of the rest of us let alone the cost to the taxpayer to police these demonstrations. She should serve her time in jail and while there ponder the futility of her cause.

I can't imagine they have no tags that fit.
I've known several young, slim "girls" have them.

What has her age got to do with it. Would there have been the same fuss made if she had been 18, 38 or 58?

It is classic agism. She is 78, she must be a frail little old lady who needs to be treated with special care because she may be a bit doddery, physically or mentally.

Well, that stereotype is an insult to most 78 year olds and, as far as i m concerned she was fit aand healthy enough to commit the crime, she should not be treated any differently to any other offender in her circumstances.

In the article in the O/P it was the probation service who came to her house and could not find a tag to fit and they reported it.
There are alternatives. Given that she is eligible, whats the point in spending £12.000 more keeping her in prison? Who gains?

To my cynical eyes, I think they are trotting out any and everything to stop her from going back to prison.
She is claiming it is sexism, then her age and intelligence has been bought up...

According to some sources she's alleged to have refused the tag. Her family of course say that's not true.

I'm inclined to believe she refused. Others will believe her. Which is fine.

However I don't care that she missed Christmas. These protests are so infuriating. She broke the law. That's the point. No sympathy whatsoever.

Also where do these protesters go in winter? Is it a bit chilly for them? No doubt say at home with their gas central heating on.

The protest and moral support for this elderly prisoner is being led by Quakers .

Does this fact alone not tell you to support her!

You are punitive should be ashamed of yourselves.

Why would the Quakers make any difference at all as to whether people should support her?

There is no "should" about it.

Caleo

The protest and moral support for this elderly prisoner is being led by Quakers .

Does this fact alone not tell you to support her!

You are punitive should be ashamed of yourselves.

Not sure why I should support this woman because she has Quakers on side.

All I'm concerned with is she broke the law and has to pay the price. I'm pleased about that. I wouldn't care if she wag 92 either. Patronising to suggest she's too old to be in prison.

Also, as has been mentioned above, I find it hard to believe that the size of the tag was an issue.

She missed Christmas.

Other people missed their medical appointments due to her protest.

Even babies have tags to fit them.

Would you all feel so strongly if this were a very slim male being released on licence but having the same circumstances as this female?
She committed a crime and was sentenced and she should see that sentence