Prison officer claims trauma damages as witness

Lack of training blamed for stress and depression after colleague attacked by inmate


An officer at Scotland's only privately run prison is claiming damages after witnessing an attack on a colleague by a prisoner there.

In an action raised at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, Ann Hinshelwood claims that she was placed in a potentially dangerous situation as a result of which she has been on sick leave for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and stress since the incident in October 2001.

She alleges that Premier Custodial Group, who run the prison, denied her training for dealing with such situations. The company denies liability and pleads that Ms Hinshelwood was behind a glass door at the time, did not intervene and was not exposed to personal danger.

A hearing is due to take place next month.

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