Woman who Miscarried in Peterborough Jail 'Forced to Clean up Own Blood and Foetus'

A woman who suffered a miscarriage was made to clean up after herself while the foetus lay on the floor of her cell, a court has heard.

Nadine Wright, 37, claimed that a nurse was present when she lost her baby in HMP Peterborough but she was told that she had to clean up her own blood and the foetus.

The allegations emerged during a sentencing hearing for breaching earlier court orders and admitting shoplifting. Wright said she had stolen food "out of desperation" as she could not afford it.

Her barrister, Philip Gibbs, told Leicester Crown Court: "There was blood everywhere and she was made to clean it up.

"The baby was not removed from the cell. It was quite appalling. It was very traumatic. She only received healthcare three days later, after the governor intervened."

The alleged incident occurred one day after Wright was taken into custody.

Gibbs told the court that Wright was convicted of stealing £13.94 worth of food after she did not receive her welfare benefits. She had suffered mental health issues and had battled heroin addiction since her teens, he added.

Wright pleaded guilty to breaching two community orders and was jailed for 10 months.

The authorities at the private prison said they did not comment on individual cases but confirmed that a prisoner had received medical treatment on the day of her arrival in prison and was seen by a GP the following day.

A spokesperson added: "We have a duty of care to all prisoners. As part of that, we ensure that all prisoners have access to the same level of NHS services as those in the community."