Woman, 79, led away in handcuffs

An elderly woman who suffers from angina was handcuffed as she was led to a police car for a court appearance on charges of non payment of council tax.

Bet Greenall, 79, from north Cumbria, was handcuffed by officers as she was taken from her home last month, it has emerged this week.

Cumbria Police said it was the safest way to deal with the woman whose cuffs were removed once inside the vehicle.

They added that they made sure she had her medication.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said every effort was made to allow Ms Greenall to attend court without police intervention.

But on 16 December, officers decided the safest way to deal with her was to handcuff her while she was led to the police car.

Carlisle City Council refused to comment on the case before court proceedings are complete, but said anyone having difficulty paying their bill is offered help before they request police intervention.