Daniel Roque Hall, 29, became seriously ill while in Wormwood Scrubs

Brent & Kilburn Times: Ann Hall and campaigners outside the Ministry of JusticeAnn Hall and campaigners outside the Ministry of Justice (Image: Archant)

A severely disabled Kilburn man who became “close to death” in prison after being jailed for drug smuggling has been released.

Daniel Roque Hall, who suffers with Freidreich’s Ataxia, was jailed for three years last July after smuggling in £300,000 worth of cocaine in his wheelchair from Peru through Heathrow Airport.

The 29-year-old has impaired speech, diabetes and a weakened heart, and requires around-the-clock care.

Despite representations from his family and friends that a prison could not meet his needs he was sent to Wormwood Scrubs in Acton.

Weeks after being admitted and after a string of complaints of neglect he suffered heart failure and was rushed to University College Hospital (UCH) in August.

He has since spent several months at the hospital where his room has been constantly guarded.

However today, Law Lords at the Royal Courts of Justice reduced his original prison sentence to 18 months following an appeal from his family meaning he was released from custody this morning.

Speaking to the Times, his mother Anne, expressed relief but said her son “had suffered enough.”

She said: “I had hoped for this outcome and it’s a relief to hear it. He is still very sick and his illness is progressive.

“The judges considered that a three year sentence was excessive and understood he suffered greatly – he has paid a considerable price.”

FA is a debilitating condition that causes the weakening of muscles and carries a life expectancy of around 35 but sufferers can deteriorate very quickly if they are not given the support they need.

Ms Hall said: “I am grateful for the humility shown. He deserved to be punished but he is very sick. Wormwood Scrubs was not the place for him.”

Mr Roque Hall will remain in hospital for the next few days.

Ms Hall added: “He has gone through a major ordeal I am very grateful to everyone who helped with the campaign.”