Wilma Lucas

Wilma Lucas died from subdural haemorrhage after having been taken to prison by the police on the floor of a police van.

Her inquest returned an open verdict.

She had been arrested on 10 February 1984 or a breach of a probation order and taken to Holloway Prison, but the following day she was taken to the Royal Free Hospital where she died on 13 February 1984.

Her inquest found that several existing regulations regarding her treatment were not carried and also made several other recommendations.

It was heard that the following two regulations were not carried out:

1. A medical opinion was not sought to certify that she had been fit to travel immediately.
2. A policewoman did not accompany her on all occasions.

The inquest heard that Wilma Lucas had been a particulary unhygenic prisoner, having been incontinent and that she had been wrapped up in blankets soaked in urine on her journey from Addlestone Police Station to Hollowat Prison. However, it was noted that whilst it was a distasteful task, that that was what the police were paid to do and that they should have sat with her to stop her rolling about on the floor.

The jury at the inquest also made the following recommendations:

1. Handcuffs should not be used on sick prisoners.
2. No prisoners should be transported sitting or lying on the floor of a police van.
3. Surrey police should find alternative accomodation for prisoners in a similar medical state to Mrs Lucas.
4. The Surrey Area Health Authority should examine whether there are adequate provisions for the care and rehabilitation of alcoholics.

Wilma Lucas had lived in Addlestone, Surrey.