Elderly Redbridge woman gagged from talking to press

A frail 94-year-old woman from Redbridge who battled for the right to be allowed to live in her own home has been “gagged” from talking to the press by a High Court judge.

In what is believed to be an unprecedented move, the former NHS midwife – identified only as Miss G – was ruled not to have the capacity to make decisions about who she should contact.

During the hearing at which the gag was imposed, the woman hit out at the social workers in the borough handling her case.

“They think I am a stupid old woman and can do what they like and I want them out of my life,” she said.

There was no court order asked for or made against any media organisation.

But Court of Protection judge Mrs Justice Russell granted two declarations with the consent of her two carers – a married couple, named only as C and F, appointed by the Official Solicitor to look after her interests - and the London Borough of Redbridge, where social workers have expressed concerns for her welfare.

The first declaration states that: “G lacks capacity to litigate, and to make decisions about her care, residence, and contact with others, including communications with the press.”

The second states: “It is not in G’s best interests to (a) communicate with the press, and (b) for anonymity with respect to G, C or F to be lifted.”

In the hearing, the judge said: “I want you to be left in peace and want to make sure you are safe and secure in your home . That is what I am trying to do.”