Vicky Thompson, a 21-year-old transgender woman, was found dead in her cell at HMP Leeds last Friday, just days after being sent to the men's prison despite pleas to be housed in a female facility. Her partner, Robert Steele, revealed that she was taunted by other inmates for her feminine appearance and clothing.
Thompson had been sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence in August for assault and theft. After breaching the terms, she appeared at Bradford Crown Court, where her solicitor requested she be sent to New Hall women's prison near Wakefield. Instead, she was sent to HMP Leeds. Friends said she had repeatedly asked to be transferred to a women's prison and had told them she would kill herself if sent to a male jail.
Steele paid tribute to Thompson, describing her as 'bright' and 'colourful,' and expressed his grief in Facebook posts. He criticised her placement on a wing with inmates convicted of sexual offences, noting that Thompson had been groomed as a child. The Prison Service has launched an investigation into her death.
In response to the incident, Prisons Minister Andrew Selous announced that the government will begin recording the number of transgender people in prison for the first time. He also confirmed a review of policies for transgender prisoners is ongoing, with new guidance to be issued soon. Labour MP Wes Streeting urged the government to also research the experiences of transgender prisoners, particularly regarding sexual assault risks.
