U.K.: TRAVELLERS PROTEST OVER DEATH IN PRISON, Ustiben Report, by Grattan Puxon

Protest action is being called for by the family of Danny Rooney following his recent death in prison.

His widow Ann Rooney is seeking a further investigation after a prison report that Danny, who was 39, hanged himself while awaiting sentence.

It is understood a coroner's court returned an open verdict in the case.

"We don't believe he killed himself", said his sister, Mrs Margaret Rooney. "It was not like Danny to do that - he had no reason."

Danny left eight children, including a nine-month-old baby, as well as his widow Ann.

DEMONSTRATION

Family members are planning to hold a demonstration outside Bullingdon Prison.
Bicester, Oxfordshire at 12 noon on Friday (27 October)


"Please ask all Travellers and supporters to come to this protest", said Margaret. "This is an important issue for all of us."

The Irish Travellers Movement 2006 and Gypsy & Traveller Affairs are holding a public meeting at Stow-on-the-Wold Fair on Thursday to rally support for the demonstration.

"Travellers are very upset by the death of Danny Rooney", said Richard Sheridan, chair of the IRM. "T's not the first there has been in prison in recent times."

He says after the recent vigilante attack at Tamworth, when two trailers were burned, the atmosphere of distrust and fear among Travellers is growing.

CONTACTS:

Margaret McCann (44)(0) 7765384449

Bridie Jones (IRM) (44)(0) 7765174141

Bullingdon Prison
(44) (0)1869353100
Governor: Phil Taylor

Ustiben Report
By Grattan Puxon
grattanpuxon@btinternet.com

Please also see:

Ustiben Report
UK Gypsies and Travellers
UK ROMA FORUM BOYCOTTS ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE

http://www.advocacynet.org/cpage_view/GypsiesUK_UstibenReport_60_459.html

The Advocacy Project http://www.advocacynet.org/index.html

Gypsy site review on cards
HOUSING needs of gypsies and travellers across the region are to be examined.
There is to be a review of the draft East of England Plan following recently published Government planning policy to address the shortfall in traveller sites.
The policy states that provision for caravan sites should be included in regional planning documents just as provision is made for new housing.
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/region_wide/2006/10/24/ae75c381-18a6-4ce2-9c3f-3b9a909837a3.lpf

Yesteryear
100 years ago

Born in England of Gypsy parents more than 100 years ago, and living the roving life of a Gypsy all of her life, Mrs. Louise Smith died at the Gypsy camp between Freehold and Marlboro at 11 a.m. Wednesday. She was 101 years, two months and 12 days old, and was believed to be the oldest Gypsy in America.
http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2006/1025/Front_Page/046.html