Gaie Delap, a 77-year-old from Bristol, faces the prospect of imprisonment again after complications arose with her electronic monitoring bracelet, which cannot be fitted due to her thin wrists. Initially sentenced to 20 months for participating in an environmental protest, she was allowed to serve her sentence at home. Her family claims this situation stems from a judicial error, as Delap has not violated her house arrest terms, while her brother expresses concern over her constant fear of arrest.
Gaie Delap’s Troubling Legal Battle
Despite believing she had evaded prison, 77-year-old Gaie Delap from Bristol, England, may soon find herself behind bars again. Following her conviction for involvement in an environmental protest, she was granted a chance to serve her sentence at home. However, a significant hurdle has arisen: her wrists are too thin to accommodate the required electronic monitoring bracelet, leading judges to reconsider her detention, as reported by various news sources.
Challenges with Electronic Monitoring
Initially sentenced to 20 months in prison, Delap was released last August under the condition that she would monitor her movements at home with an electronic bracelet from 7 PM to 7 AM. Yet, complications quickly emerged. Due to a medical condition, placing the device on her ankle was deemed unsafe, as it could potentially lead to poor blood circulation and thrombosis.
Although she was permitted to wear the bracelet on her arm, the monitoring company revealed they lacked a suitable device small enough for her wrist. This oversight meant that Delap could easily remove the bracelet, which was intended to be tamper-proof. Consequently, the court determined she could not remain at home, resulting in an arrest warrant issued on December 5 for her potential incarceration at Peterborough prison.
Delap’s brother, Mick, has voiced concerns over the situation, describing it as “very cruel.” He shared that she is living in constant fear, waiting for police to arrive, unable to find peace or comfort during this troubling time. Her family believes this predicament stems from a ‘judicial error,’ as Delap has not breached her house arrest conditions. They have reached out to the probation service for support, highlighting the systemic failures that have led to this distressing situation.
In November 2022, Delap participated in a protest with approximately forty other activists from Just Stop Oil, blocking the M25, one of London’s major roads. This demonstration, which lasted four days, was criticized by the prosecution for allegedly costing the Metropolitan Police over one million pounds, resulting in sentences deemed excessively harsh by various environmental advocacy groups.