THE British Home Office confirmed last night that the handcuffs have been removed from an Irish woman with AIDS who was chained to a prison officer in a hospital ward for the last week while on remand.
A Home Office spokesman said the decision followed talks between the prison service, and staff at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, west London where the woman, who is only known as Jane, is being treated.
However, the spokesman refused to discuss any of the new security measures that will now be introduced while Jane is receiving her treatment.
"A decision has been made to remove the handcuffs. That is all I can say," he added.
Jane (34), who is charged with conspiracy to supply four grams of heroin, had been handcuffed to a prison officer 24 hours a day after being moved last week from Holloway prison, north London when her condition worsened. The chains were not long enough to allow Jane to use the toilet in private and had to be wrapped in blankets every night to stop them clanging.
It is understood Jane was diagnosed as HIV positive in 1986 while living in Dublin. In 1993 she moved to London for treatment and was arrested last November. No date has yet been set for her trial.
The decision will undoubtedly embarrass the British government which has been forced on to the defensive over this "inhumane" policy.
Later this week the Home Office will also formally announce a review of the treatment of pregnant women inmates in hospital, who are currently handcuffed throughout their labour.
The policy, which has provoked widespread condemnation, was introduced after five IRA _ prisoners attempted to escape last year.
However, as Jane's solicitor, Ms Sarah Cleary, argued at an application for bail at the Old Bailey and the High Court in London earlier this week, her client was unable to walk the length of a ward.
"She's got tubes coming out of her. The idea of her trying to escape is ridiculous", she added.