Profoundly Deaf Prisoner Denied Sign Language Interpreter at HMP Lewes

Profoundly Deaf Prisoner Allegedly Denied Sign Language Interpreter at HMP Lewes

A profoundly deaf prisoner, known as Mr. A, claims that he was denied access to a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter during his one-year incarceration at HMP Lewes. Mr. A, who relies on BSL for effective communication, alleged that staff expected him to lip read and write to communicate with prison and medical staff.

Mr. A, 64, also reported being handcuffed with a short chain during hospital visits for cancer treatment, which obstructed his ability to use BSL until a consultant oncologist intervened, resulting in a longer chain.

Mr. A's legal claim for compensation against the Ministry of Justice and Practice Plus Health and Rehabilitation Services, citing unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 and violations of his human rights, has been settled. The Ministry of Justice denied liability.

Mr. A was represented by human rights lawyer Benjamin Burrows from Leigh Day and barrister Paul Clark from Garden Court Chambers. No further details on the settlement were disclosed.