Being held in a police cell overnight when 6 months pregnant?

Question

I was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, got to the police station at 3pm. The PC who took me in said they weren't busy and I "definitely" wouldn't be held overnight (I was worried as I've been arrested before and was kept in the cell for 23 hours). He said the only reasons they keep you in overnight is if one of the parties involved is drunk or unavailable for statement taking; or if it was late at night for example, 4am. None of these applied and the PC's colleague was actually taking my ex's (who reported me) statement as I was being driven to the police station (30 minutes drive), so why did I not get interviewed until 7.30 pm, then held overnight?! The sergeant informed me just before my interview that they'd also be arresting me for another offence (which I didn't even commit!) and she was authorising my detention overnight, to appear in court the following morning. Finally got let out at 2pm the next day.

I'm 26 weeks pregnant and had 2 meals - one at 10pm on Wednesday and one at midday the next day. I ended up with stomach pains, backache and was feeling very dizzy from lack of food all through this time, I was offered a drink approximately once an hour but surely they're not allolwed to keep you in a cell overnight for no reason? They said I've broken bail conditions before (which I don't remember) and thats why they detained me overnight and didnt grant bail, but everytime I've been arrested (dont make a habit of it, I'd never been in trouble before but my ex keeps reporting me for harassment) I've been kept in overnight. Is this allowed? Especially being 6.5 months pregnant...I know I was in the wrong hence being arrested, but why is it other people seem to get arrested for minor 'crimes' and are only kept in custody for a few hours?! I was locked up for 22 hours in total.

I wasn't expecting sympathy. What I'm saying is, the PC told me there was no reason to keep me for more than a few hours, definitely not overnight. Yet they did. The reason I was arrested was my ex asked me to come and collect my phone form his place, when I did he threatened to report me to the police for harassment and I flagged the police car down to ask if they were looking for me. I'd left my ex's place by this time so was being honest by going to find the police car. I wasnt harassing my ex, but there is history of criminal damage from my side when I broke his window (after he asked me to stay overnight then kicked me out at 4am telling me he hoped I and the baby froze to death) and violence from his side, which I never reported. A week ago he said he wanted to stay friends and be involved with the baby, didnt see him then until wednesday when he'd changed his mind and had me arrested. I'm not expecting leniency,just dont see any reason to keep me overnight.

Answer 1

do the crime , do the time , quit crying about it , and learn a lesson

Answer 2

When you are arrested, it is not the arresting officer who interviews you, and he cannot say for any certainty how long you will be in custody. He takes you to the station and then collects the statements/evidence, before handing over to the Criminal Progression Unit.

There is every possibility that the officer in the CPU may just have started his shift, so would have had to have taken time to read the papers, and fill in the gaps that may have been left by the arresting officer. Then he may be ready to interview you. Also, as you were being arrested for another offence, this would have drawn matters out longer.

Once interviewed, the police then have to consult with the Crown Prosecution Service, and this can take hours!!! The fact that you were 6 months pregnant is neither here nor there, if you are in good health. A doctor can be called or you can be taken to hospital a lot faster in police custody, than on the street.

The moral of this story is, that being pregnant is no bar to be arrested. Oh, and when you get into custody, ask for a solicitor. Our services are free, and it really speeds matters up

Answer 3

If you've been arrested for harassment before, they may be required to keep you overnight. It may taken a long time to get the interview if they got busy once you were there. The officer shouldn't have told you that you wouldn't be held overnight. Those decisions are made by the jail staff based on the offense, jail capacity, and prior history. If you violated previous terms of release, of course they won't release you. Medical condition is also not a reason for release. If necessary, they can always get help and transport you to the hospital. I would say if you are worried about being in jail, DON'T BREAK THE LAW!

Answer 4

If you two were having trouble, why would you go to his place and not send someone else to get the phone or at least take a couple of witnesses with you? Think before you act.

Regardless of what one person told you, if they weren't there to enforce their statement, no one else has to to obligated to follow it. Apparently your prior record came into question and that is why things changed, to make sure you would be at the right place at the right time. Sounds like you need to watch what you are doing so your record doesn't continue to bite you in the rear like this, especially since you are going to have a child and need to set a better example.

Being pregnant doesn't change things because women go to prison while pregnant and have their babies there so that's a moot point.

The lack of food ~ I'd definitely file a complaint on that, especially since you are pregnant. I would think they could have done better than that but since I've never been to jail, I'm not familiar with things like that.

Do not call your ex
Do not accept calls from your ex
Do not go near his place at any time with anyone
If you see him in an establishment, turn around and leave and stay away from him
If he tries to stop you to talk, keep on walking and ignore him
Try to always have someone with you when you go out so you have a witness

He keeps setting you up and you keep walking into his plan so stay away as much as you can, even if it means moving an hour or two away from where he lives.

Answer 5

No one really knows the circumstances. Because you have not stated them. They can legally hold you and apparently did. You really need to stand up and accept responsibility for your actions. Your ex could not do a thing if you weren't around him. Stay away from him. If you have issues. Try the court system. Also in your case, I'd say counseling. You seem upset about more than just being in jail overnight. Also, pregnant women do not need to eat all of the time. To much weight is not good for you or your baby. I really hope you get your life straight. Do it for your baby.

Answer 6

Cut off all contact with your EX, and stay out of trouble. It really is not that hard to obey the law. It makes it much easier to get through life. You need to realize that your actions don't only affect you, but your family...especially your child. Do you really want your child to grow up knowing that mommy is a criminal?

Answer 7

As you have already seen in your answers,being pregnant doesn't mean you have the right to break the law. Why would you put yourself in a position to be there in the first place?Stay away from the creep!! I feel sorry for your unborn child. Its ignorant people like you who end up unemployed and on welfare and leave it to the rest of us to raise your illegitimate child.

Answer 8

Hi Carrie. It could just be a sickness bug or something you have picked up. If you are at the hospital then you are in the right place. I am sure they will do tests and check you and baby are ok. Try not to worry too much.

Answer 9

I think they could have gotten the interview and booking process done a bit quicker than this. Besides, it costs money to feed you those two meals... It would have been cheaper, too, if they would have just gotten on with business. Sounds like you ticked someone off, and they wanted to prove they could torment a pregnant woman.

Answer 10

Pregnancy is a normal human condition and not a factor in being incarcerated.

It does bother me that you are this irresponsible and having a baby.

Do the crime...do the time.

Answer 11

What does being pregnant have to do with anyting??If you break the law then you go to jail whether you are pregnant have diabetes or a heart condition..Do you realize how many females are in prison that are pregnant and they have their babies in prison..Don't break the law and you won't go to jail..