WP,
We both know that the system doesn't work as it should. One Chief Constable (IIRC either Hants or Dorset) went out publicly on a limb publicising a similar case late last year. Government then committed to 'do something' but since Mental Health is forever the Cinderella of health provision I'm not holding my breath.
The bit of your OP I take particular issue with is the penultimate paragraph 'Lastly at 16.....'etc. Even for 16/17 year olds with full capacity being in police custody is an area where they need support, being 'legal' copulate and work notwithstanding and the law recognises that. at least for 16 year olds.
Perhaps the headline should have read 'Mentally Ill Woman Held in Nottinghamshire Police cell had no food or water for 44 hours' Would it be all right then?
Of course not.
The HMIC report is at www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/publication/nottinghamshire-national-child-protection-inspection/ and example picked up by BBC is at top of page 23.
I'd suggest that whatever protocols are supposed to be in place were not effective hence use of words It was only after the girl had been in custody for 44 hours that custody staff realised that she had gone without food or water .
BBC report is an accurate summation of events and police were rightly criticised.
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