A WOMAN who became pregnant by her husband while they were both in prison has claimed that restrictions on her access to exercise could harm her unborn child.
The Northern prison authorities have already held an inquiry into how Denise Kelly (23) became pregnant during an "inter institutional" visit by her husband, Jimmy. Both are serving sentences in Maghaberry Prison, near Lisburn, Co Antrim. He is serving a life sentence for murder and she is serving a 10 year term for robbery. They were married in the prison last June after he was transferred from Gartree Prison in Leicestershire.
Kelly (23), whose baby is due in April, claims that for the past three months she has not been allowed to use the exercise yard.
She was held to have breached prison discipline and was put on Rule 32 which restricts association with other prisoners.
But now she has been given leave to apply for a judicial review challenging the governor's decision. The case is due to be heard in the High Court in Belfast on February 21st.
"I believe my continuing removal from association is having an adverse effect not only on my own well being but also that of my unborn child," she said in an affidavit.
"I am concerned that the pressure resulting from this removal is endangering my pregnancy. I had difficulties with other pregnancies and suffered miscarriages.
Her solicitor, Ms Angela Ritchie, said Kelly had been told, she could exercise in a small area designated by the prison authorities. "But on a point of principled she refuses to go there and just stand on her own," said Ms Ritchie.