Alleged fraudster Vicky Boodram, 35, is now under suicide watch and will be monitored on a 24/7 basis after she was returned to the Women’s Prison at Golden Grove, Arouca, last night.
Hours after being formally charged for escaping lawful custody, Boodram attempted suicide by slitting one of her wrists. The incident allegedly occurred while she was in custody at the Barataria Police Station yesterday morning. However, police officers remained tight-lipped about it. It is alleged Boodram used a sharp piece of metal from her bra to inflict the wound to her left wrist.
After allegedly being found bleeding by officers during a routine check in the station cell, Boodram was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, where, according to police sources, “she was treated, stitched up and discharged.”
The police source, however, could not confirm the actual time of the incident and how Boodram got access to a bra, whether or not she was wearing it or given it upon her request.
“Not much details are being released about the circumstances surrounding the incident because officers were warned to remain hushed as it would cause a more of a stink on the police service. What I do know is that people in police custody, especially women would not be allowed to wear clothing with wires, loose or lengthy straps of any kind, laces and belts,” the police source told the T&T Guardian yesterday.
But after appearing it the Port-of-Spain Magistrates' Court yesterday, Boodram was taken back the Women’s Prison around 6.58 pm, where she was remanded in custody until her next court date on December 13 at the Arima Magistrates’ Court. Her latest matter was transferred there by PoS chief magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle yesterday. (See other story)
Contacted last night on how Boodram will be treated given her escape nine days before and the alleged suicide attempt, Prisons Commissioner Gerard Wilson said she will be placed under suicide watch. He added that frequent medical check-ups will be afforded to her.
“The doctor would be brought in to look at her and have her mentally assessed and given what she did to herself, to ensure that she is physically all right,” Wilson said.
Asked if she will be separated from other inmates, Wilson replied: “Administrative segregation would be really for inmates who are violent and other issues, but for Vicky, for now, she may be placed with other inmates but in a cell by herself so that she would not be able to contaminate anyone."
He added: “As she is under suicide watch there will be an officer watching her 24/7.”
Asked if there will be limited officer contact with her, he replied: “Yes, based on her track record we would try to limit the amount of officers around her. I would have a very experienced and senior officer to supervise her.”
Regarding visits by family and friends, Wilson said for now people seeking to visit Boodram will be limited to her attorney and the medical doctor.
“We would have to sit and look things over to see if she would be allowed family visits now or later on.”
Three days after her escape on November 29, Boodram was recaptured at a house in Penal. The 35-year-old, who is currently facing 175 fraud charges, was allegedly assisted in escaping the Women's Prison by two police officers. She was scheduled to appear before both the Port-of-Spain and Siparia Magistrates’ Courts the day after she escaped custody.