Prisoner with Muscular Dystrophy Alleges Inadequate Care at Wormwood Scrubs

Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old inmate at Wormwood Scrubs, says he has been forced to crawl on the floor to obtain medication because he has not received a suitable wheelchair or timely medical assistance. Khalid is awaiting trial for alleged involvement in a break-in at RAF Brize Norton.

The Guardian

Khalid was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy in 2014, a progressive muscle-wasting disease that has left his skin hanging from his bones. He previously participated in a hunger strike organized by Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners, which concluded in January.

The Guardian

The principal parties are Umer Khalid; his mother Shabana Khalid; prison medical staff who reportedly questioned the severity of his condition; prison officers responsible for cell safety; and a Ministry of Justice spokesperson representing the Prison Service.

The Guardian

• 23 April 2026 – A fire alarm triggers an evacuation; Khalid says officers left him in his cell despite his pain.

The Guardian

• 26 days after the alarm – He reports waiting weeks for a shower chair and going 26 days without a shower while awaiting a shower chair.

The Guardian

• 13 May 2026 – The Guardian publishes his interview detailing the alleged neglect.

The Guardian

Khalid, 22, reports 26 days without a shower, missed multiple neurologist and physiotherapy appointments, received only one physiotherapy session this year, and was denied high-protein food and a month-old supplement prescription. He says a wheelchair cannot fit his cell or the corridor outside it.

The Guardian

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated that the Prison Service provides support for prisoners with disabilities and that needs are assessed when individuals enter custody, with arrangements made to meet those needs. The spokesperson did not comment on Khalid’s specific allegations.

The Guardian

Khalid contends that prison officers ignored his emergency buzzer during the fire alarm, that a wheelchair was only permitted for visits, and that healthcare workers accused him of exaggerating his condition. His mother, Shabana Khalid, described his limbs as “just like a skeleton with skin hanging off him” and called the prison’s response “horrific.”

The Guardian

The Ministry’s claim that disability needs are assessed conflicts with Khalid’s report of delayed provision of a wheelchair, shower chair, and high-protein food. Prison staff have not publicly responded to the allegation that officers left Khalid unattended during the fire alarm. No independent medical assessment has been cited to verify either side’s statements.

The Guardian

• “I’m literally on the floor, crawling on my hand, but then I can’t even use my right arm because I’ve fallen on my shoulder multiple times because they’ve not given me a wheelchair, so I can’t even crawl properly.” — Umer Khalid, prisoner

The Guardian

• “I’m not embarrassed because at the end of the day I’m not the one who should be embarrassed, but it’s so dehumanising.” — Umer Khalid, prisoner

The Guardian

• “just looked at me, saw me in bed and left. But I was in too much pain to even get up and press my emergency buzzer” — Umer Khalid, prisoner

The Guardian

• “He showed us his legs and his arms, he’s just like a skeleton with skin hanging off him and the prison want to say he’s making it up. It’s horrific; there’s nothing we can do but get angry.” — Shabana Khalid, mother

The Guardian

• “The Prison Service caters to all disabilities. All prisoners’ needs are assessed when they enter custody – with arrangements made, and appropriate action taken to ensure they are met.” — Ministry of Justice spokesperson

The Guardian

Khalid’s legal team is demanding the release of his full medical records and awaits a trial scheduled for January.

The Guardian