Woman whose baby was stillborn in HMP Styal praises sentencing changes

Louise Powell says she hopes new guidance means fewer pregnant women are jailed and it can be the legacy of her child Brooke

A former prisoner who gave birth to a stillborn baby in a jail toilet has welcomed changes that campaigners hope will reduce the number of pregnant women locked up, as a “legacy” for the daughter she lost.

The Sentencing Council is announcing significant new guidance on Monday that judges and magistrates in England and Wales must consider before passing sentences on pregnant women and new mothers. A new mitigating factor in sentencing has been introduced – pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care – which replaces current guidance relating to this group of women who currently come under the broader heading of “sole or primary carer”.