Concerns after six abscond from open prison
Five still at large as figures show big year-on-year rise
Security concerns have been raised about an open prison in Angus after six inmates absconded in the past month.
Scottish Prison Service (SPS) figures show that 27 prisoners absconded or did not return to Noranside in 2004-05. This figure is almost double that for 2003-04.
The SPS also revealed that since the start of the month, six prisoners absconded and one failed to return from a home visit. Five of these escapees are still at large, but a spokesperson for the SPS said they posed no danger to the public.
Those who breach open prison rules by absconding are returned to high security establishments.
Ruth Leslie Melville, vice chair of the Noranside visiting committee, said she would be raising the matter with the governor Ian White, as she feels the issue is of concern to local people.
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