Handcuffed inmate lodges human rights complaint

The woman, known as Jacqui, spent nine months in the infirmary at Yatala prison, restrained to her bed for up to 20 hours per day.

She has now been moved to the women's prison in Adelaide, where she is being kept in a cell for 23 hours per day.

Public Advocate John Brayley said the treatment was inhumane and he had lodged a formal complaint on the woman's behalf.

"Everyone has said the treatment she's getting can't be compatible with the human rights, particularly as she has a psychiatric disability and she needs clinical care, a different system of being looked after," he said.

Maurice Corcoran inspects mental health facilities in his role with SA Health's Community Visitor Scheme.

"She continues to be locked up in her cell for 23 hours a day. She's only allowed out for an hour and when she is, she is handcuffed and that includes breaks for showers and everything else," he said.

"It's appalling, I think, in this day and age."

(2012-06-15/abc)