News In Focus
26 May 2005
Inspector's "sadness" at women prisoners
The physical and mental condition of Scotland's women prisoners is even poorer than a year ago, according to the Chief Inspector of Prisons.
Dr Andrew McLellan was speaking in advance of the publication today of his follow-up inspection report on the female-only prison at Cornton Vale.
At the time of his inspection in February this year, 98% of inmates were drug addicts, 80% had mental health problems and 75% a history of abuse.
Last year, he said, he had been "extremely upset" at the miserable condition of women coming into prison, and the unrealistic expectation that it could do anything to turn round their lives. A year on, he was "even more sad than before".
"I'm not saying women shouldn't be sent to prison, but I think I am being realistic enough to recognise the condition of those coming into prison makes it almost impossible for prison to do anything that will reduce criminal behaviour."
Dr McLellan also criticises conditions at Cornton Vale for "degrading" toilet access facilities which result in some prisoners urinating in the sink in their cells. However he welcomes building work on new accommodation and refurbishment of parts of the jail.