Annabella Landsberg

Annabella Landsberg, 45, was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. In 2002, she moved to the UK to join her sister, Sandra. She settled in Worthing and became a senior care worker. Known as Bella, she was a caring aunt and mother who regularly went to church with her sister.  

Annabella had HIV, type 2 diabetes and a brain injury. In May 2017, after spending a few months in other prisons, Annabella was transferred to Peterborough Prison, privately run by Sodexo.

Frequently placed in segregation to manage her "challenging" behaviour, Annabella was restrained by prison officers and became unresponsive. She was left lying on the floor of her cell for the next 21 hours. Prison and healthcare staff thought she was faking her illness.

The next day, Annabella was taken to hospital where she was found to be severely dehydrated and suffering from multiple organ failure. She died a few days later and her family were denied the possibility to see her while she was still conscious.

An inquest found that serious failures contributed to her death.

Annabella’s body was repatriated to Zimbabwe after her children were denied visas to attend a funeral in the UK.

Sandra has been deeply committed to finding out the truth of what happened to her sister and ensuring that all prisoners are properly supported.