A visit with Linda Carty

British barrister Hugh Southey visits Linda on death row in Texas.

Linda Carty was very upbeat when I went to visit her on 13 August. Like most people would be in her position, she is frustrated by the lack of progress and her continuing separation from her family. However, that inevitable frustration did not prevent her from demonstrating her normal lively personality.

After concluding a discussion of various matters related to her case, Linda wanted to discuss matters such as the position of the England cricket team. Unfortunately, the fact we were meeting just after the Headingly debacle meant that I could not give her good news on that front.

The sad thing about Linda is that the visiting arrangements have changed. Legal visits are now held in a special room that is intended to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. However, security is maintained by holding Linda in a cage. Visiting any prisoner is always distressing as it is never pleasant to see a person deprived of their liberty. However, it was particularly distressing to see someone who enjoys life as much as Linda detained in a cage.

After visiting Linda, I also managed to visit her daughter and grandsons. We had dinner together and talked about the time that Linda’s daughter travelled to London to campaign for her mother. Linda has a lovely family and she is very lucky to enjoy their continued support.

Linda is very grateful for all the support that Reprieve has provided over the years. In particular, the fact that the British public has not forgotten her is a matter that gives her great strength. She made that clear throughout the visit.