Birthday vigil held for Bristol grandmother recalled to Eastwood Park Prison
Gaie Delap was recalled due to her wrist being too small to fit an electronic tag.
Last updated 13th Jan 2025
A vigil for Gaie Delap’s 78th birthday was held outside Eastwood Park Prion in South Gloucestershire yesterday evening.
The grandmother from Bristol was arrested for her part in a Just Stop Oil protest on the M25 in November 2022.
Around 100 people attended the vigil which included family, friends and members of the Bristol Climate Choir.
Gaie’s brother, Mick, who visited her last Friday said, “Despite her outrage, tempered with resignation, she tries to stay strong. She knows about the vigil. She is overwhelmed with the messages of support she has received. The best birthday present for her would be that common sense and justice prevail and lead to her re-release.”
Those who attended took part in a 20minute silence outside the entrance of the prison and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ in hopes that she might hear it.
A recording of a speech prepared by Gaie that she originally planned to read in court was played as a message to those supporting her and Just Stop OIl.
She said: “why did I do it? Because my heart is breaking, breaking for the future of my grandchildren and all future generations”
Attendees held up candles pictures of Gaie and banners with messages of support.
Close friend of Delap, Mike Campbell, said: “Gaie makes it clear too that this is not just about her situation. There are other countless women who are impacted by tagging failures. She told us about a woman released late and then recalled because there was no available bus to get home in time for their curfew. She also witnesses daily the impact of imprisonment on other women, those with mental health problems, addiction issues, mothers separated from their children. Like Gaie, these are women who should not be in prison.”
The Ministry of Justice has previously said it has to find alternative solutions if a tag can't be fitted.