Ruby Hamill, a 21-year-old pro-Palestine and Just Stop Oil protester, narrowly escaped death due to severe anorexia complications while incarcerated at HMP New Hall. Arrested last year after allegedly causing over £570,000 in damage to a defence-related factory in Shipley, Ruby and fellow protestors reportedly told police they were protesting the Gaza genocide.
Despite a documented history of anorexia, Ruby was denied proper eating disorder treatment during her detention. She starved for almost a month, eventually collapsing in prison. Following this critical health crisis, she was granted humanitarian bail, backed by medical evidence underscoring the severity of her condition.
Upon release, Ruby was rushed to hospital, where she received treatment for refeeding syndrome—a life-threatening condition that can occur when nutrition is reintroduced after prolonged starvation. She has since made a recovery.
READ MORE: Man Jailed for High-Speed Road Rage Attack on Pedestrians
READ MORE: ‘Once-in-a-generation’ Somerset 620 homes plan approved
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, who has engaged with Ruby’s family, condemned the treatment Ruby received and is urging the government to establish national, mandatory guidelines for eating disorder care across all prisons. In a statement on August 27, Hobhouse called the situation “nothing short of a scandal,” highlighting the urgent need for improved mental health care in custody settings. She emphasized that vulnerable inmates deserve reliable health support to prevent such near-fatal outcomes.
Ruby faces charges of criminal damage and possession of articles intended to destroy or damage property. A jury at Bradford Crown Court last September was unable to reach a verdict, and a retrial has been scheduled for February 2026.