Elderly activist faces jail recall over electronic tag issue in UK

Delap’s brother, Mick, speaking on her behalf due to curfew restrictions on media communication, described the situation as “very cruel,” adding, “Gaie is sitting at home terrified, with her suitcase packed, waiting for the police to knock. She hasn’t been able to eat or sleep because of this.” He also highlighted her health problems, including lasting numbness in one finger caused by handcuffs during a hospital visit while in custody.

Delap’s MP, Carla Denyer, condemned the handling of the case, calling it “beyond absurd” and a disproportionate use of public resources. Denyer stated, “This is a disproportionate crackdown on climate protesters. Gaie poses no threat to her fellow citizens.”

Four of Delap’s co-defendants, who were jailed for similar peaceful protests, have been released early, with three successfully tagged. The Ministry of Justice and Serco, which operates the Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS), are reportedly reviewing the case.

Mick Delap accused the system of being caught in a “nightmarish triangulation of confusion and justice” involving EMS, the prison service, and probation authorities. He noted that an alternative “doorstep curfew,” which had worked during her bail period, has not been offered this time.

Delap participated in a four-day campaign where activists climbed gantries over the M25, causing significant traffic disruption and affecting an estimated 709,000 drivers. While her actions were peaceful, they have drawn sharp criticism and sparked debate over the proportionality of sentences handed to climate activists.

Denyer previously expressed concern over what she termed a “disproportionate sentence” for Delap, stating her protests were designed to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis. The Ministry of Justice has yet to provide further comment.

(With inputs from The Guardian)