HALIFAX - The case of a Nova Scotia woman who died of a stroke following her incarceration by police has been referred to the province's Public Prosecution Service to see if criminal charges should be laid.

Victoria Rose Paul of Indian Brook died in hospital days after she was left lying unattended in the Truro police lockup after being arrested for public drunkenness in August 2009.

A subsequent review ordered by Justice Minister Ross Landry found that police did not properly monitor Paul's health while she was in custody.

The review said the 44-year-old woman wasn't medically assessed or taken to hospital until 10 hours after she was put in jail.

In an email, Landry says prosecutors will examine the case to see if charges are warranted.

The Nova Scotia Native Women's Association says it's pleased with Landry's move because the review had no mandate to look into criminal wrongdoing.

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