Pensioner Jailed for Hugging Her Grandaughter

It was a story that the national media lapped up. A 72-year-old woman was sentenced in her absence to three months in prison for breaching a court order that forbade her from contacting her vulnerable granddaughter.

Kathleen Danby was arrested at a Ken Dodd show in Liverpool after CCTV caught her cuddling the 18-year-oldgirl. The silver-haired 4ft 11in pensioner spent three days behind bars before being taken in handcuffs to the Court of Protection where she apologised and was released.

There was obviously a lot more to this story but it was a headline writer’s dream.

Set up under the Labour government’s Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Court of Protection makes decisions on financial or welfare matters for people who lack mental capacity.

Reporting restrictions mean the court – which, to be fair, does deal with sensitive and personal matters – is often described in the media as “secret”, “sinister” and “draconian”.

Friends or relatives must apply to the Court of Protection if they want to make decisions on behalf of someone who has lost mental capacity and has no Lasting Power of Attorney in place. Set one up now before it’s too late by contacting Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243.