Transgender jail coverage makes it “highly, highly unlikely” an inmate with a historical past of violence towards girls could be positioned within the feminine property, the boss of the Scottish Prison Service has stated.
SPS chief government Teresa Medhurst was questioned by Holyrood’s Criminal Justice Committee on the service’s up to date coverage alongside Justice Secretary Angela Constance.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay raised concern the coverage could be see violent transgender prisoners housed in feminine prisons in the event that they had been deemed to not pose a threat to different inmates.
The coverage states an “individualised” strategy might be taken from 26 February, with inmates initially positioned within the male property till adequate data is understood on whether or not they are often accommodated in accordance with their chosen gender.
Inmates won’t be positioned within the feminine property if it “gives rise to unacceptable risks” which can’t be mitigated, with transgender prisoners convicted of homicide, rape or sexual harassment not eligible besides in “exceptional circumstances”.
In response to Mr Findlay, Ms Medhurst stated: “I would be struggling to understand in what circumstances somebody who has been convicted of a sex offence would be deemed not to be a risk to women.”
When pushed on whether or not the coverage allowed it in “theory”, she replied that it might be “highly, highly unlikely”.
She added: “Somebody who is a transgender woman who has committed an offence, or has a history of committing an offence of violence against women or girls will not be considered for the female estate or the women’s estate unless there are exceptional circumstances.
“But these distinctive circumstances must be very distinctive.”
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Mr Russell additionally requested if feminine jail employees may “decline” to look “male-bodied” inmates or face disciplinary motion in the event that they refused.
Ms Medhurst responded: “Staff are not disciplined for any issues that they raise in relation to searching.”
She stated a course of permits employees to debate issues with line managers.
Mr Findlay stated: “So there is an opt out?”
“What I would say to you, Mr Findlay, is that our staff are very professional in the work that they do and how they do it. If there are concerns that they have, they are entitled to raise them and we will listen.”
She added an “individual approach” was taken.
The coverage overview got here below the highlight following the case of transgender double rapist Isla Bryson, who was jailed final 12 months for attacking two girls.
The assaults had been carried out in 2016 and 2019 when Bryson, who was born Adam Graham, was residing as a person.
An pressing case overview was ordered by Scotland’s then justice secretary after Bryson was initially housed in segregation at Cornton Vale girls’s jail close to Stirling whereas awaiting sentencing.
Bryson was shortly moved into the male property following a public outcry.
The overview concluded that girls weren’t in danger from hurt as a consequence of the administration of Bryson.
Mr Findlay stated: “This policy puts the rights of male-bodied trans prisoners above the welfare of vulnerable and voiceless women who have often suffered violence and trauma at the hands of men.
“It is little greater than a reheat of the earlier coverage which resulted in rapist Isla Bryson being despatched to a lady’s jail.”
Source: information.sky.com”