Prison mix-up leads to overnight stay drama at Scottish maximum security jail
A woman spent night at all-male facility due to appearance-based mix-up in Scottish prison system. Officials launched probe into procedures after discovering error that led to immediate transfer next day
Last week a mix-up in the Scottish prison system caused quite a stir when officials sent a bio-female prisoner to HMP Perth — an all-male maximum-security facility (due to her masculine appearance)
The incident happened after the person appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court‚ where court staff didnt properly check the prisoners biological sex. The error wasnt discovered until prison staff conducted a more detailed check: leading to immediate segregation measures
Following recent updates to prison rules — which came after the Isla Bryson case — inmates should be placed in facilities matching their birth sex. However this policy wasnt followed; causing a state-wide review of procedures
This is a complete embarrassment for everyone involved. Taking a female to a male prison and leaving her there is a shocker
The campaign group For Women Scotland pointed out system-wide issues: “They have to stop being frightened of recording a persons sex; its incredibly dangerous for any woman to be in a male prison“
Police Scotland admitted the mix-up stating they passed someone into custody with in-complete information about their gender — while the Scottish Prison Service emphasized their focus on rights safety and well-being of all individuals
- Prisoner was kept in segregation overnight
- Transfer to womens facility happened next day
- Investigation launched by both agencies
- Review of custody procedures started
The incident highlights how appearance-based assumptions can lead to serious mis-steps in the criminal justice system
