Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Prisoner to sue over permanent erection

Jonathan Foster
Monday 10 October 1994 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A PRISONER whose penis became permanently erect is to sue Michael Howard, the Home Secretary, over allegedly negligent care received during his priapic crisis at Doncaster prison, the Government's flagship privatised jail, writes Jonathan Foster.

Stephen Smith, 42, who is on remand facing theft and burglary charges, realised he had a problem one Sunday morning last month.

'I was getting pain in the penis,' he said. 'The medical trolley came round, and I asked for painkillers and to see the doctor.'

But he claims he saw no prison doctor for 30 hours. The doctor referred him to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, where he had immediate surgery and was transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.

'I was kept handcuffed to the bed in case I tried to escape. I can't see how I could have got away. My testicles were enormous and black.'

Discharged after five days, he claims his treatment back at the prison was negligent. The surgical wound re- opened, he contracted a urinary infection, and he had to go back to the Hallamshire.

'They never changed the dressing. At one point I was wrapping my penis in wads of toilet paper to absorb the discharge. I have been told I have a 90 per cent chance of being sterile and I don't know if I will ever be able again to get an erection.'

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in