Ministers Call For Immediate Release Of Jailed Grandmother

The jailing of a 59-year-old west Belfast woman for non-payment of her TV license has been described as "an appalling misuse of justice and tax payers money".

Making the criticism, SDLP Councillor Tim Attwood said: "It is farcical and an appalling misuse of tax payers money to jail individuals, who are struggling financially, for failing to pay their TV license.

"This case is another clear indication that the TV licensing scheme requires a root and branch review.

"Given the host of welfare changes that have been introduced lately – plunging many individuals and families into debt – it is absolutely appalling that people are facing prosecutions of this weight for something so trivial.

"Questions must be asked about the severity of this process, and clarity provided around the appropriate steps needed to assist those struggling to pay."

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Raymond McCartney MLA also called for the immediate release of the woman, who he described as a "chronically-ill Belfast grandmother".

He said: "This is a distressing case and the arrest and imprisonment of this woman for a fairly minor offence.

"The family have made it clear there are mitigating factors given her very serious health problems and efforts were actually being made to pay the outstanding fines at the time she was arrested.

"However, it seems that because the bench warrant had already been issued, this was not accepted and she was instead arrested from her home and is now being held in Hydebank Prison.

"I believe that is a gross over-reaction. The system should have showed some flexibility in this case because jailing a chronically grandmother does no-one any service, particularly when she was making good on her efforts to pay the fines.

"The relevant authorities should now intervene, show some common sense and ensure she is immediately released."

(MH/LM)