Joanne Dennehy, the triple murderer from Peterborough, is taking legal action against the government over her solitary confinement in prison, claiming it violates her human rights. The 33-year-old is serving a life sentence for the murders of three men in Cambridgeshire in 2013.
In a High Court challenge, her barrister Hugh Southey QC argued that continued isolation has left her 'tearful and upset'. Dennehy is challenging Justice Secretary Michael Gove over the decision by HMP Bronzefield to keep her separated from other prisoners, which involves long periods of isolation.
Jenni Richards QC, representing the prison, described Dennehy as 'arguably the most dangerous female prisoner in custody'. The court heard that Dennehy was initially segregated while on remand due to fears of a prison break, which allegedly involved cutting off an officer's finger to deceive biometric security systems.
Mr Southey said the escape allegations were never properly put to Dennehy and no further action was taken. He argued that her continued segregation was unnecessary and amounted to disability discrimination due to her mental illness, noting that she has resumed self-harming.
Tom Weisselberg QC, for the Ministry of Justice, countered that segregation was far from 'solitary confinement', pointing out that Dennehy has access to a radio, CD player, television, books, the exercise yard, gym, and shower. He justified the segregation based on the risks posed by her offending.
Mr Justice Singh is expected to reserve his decision. Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson condemned the case as an 'outrageous misuse of the Human Rights Act' and an offence to the victims' families.
