WATCH: Highland MSP Douglas Ross challenges Nicola Sturgeon on 'beast' rapist being sent to women's prison
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Highland MSP Douglas Ross has demanded answers from Nicola Sturgeon on why a “beast” double rapist was remanded in custody at Cornton Vale women’s prison.
Isla Bryson only started transition while awaiting trial and at the time of the rapes was still identifying as a man named Adam Graham.
In what opposition figures say is a severe embarrassment for the Scottish Government after passing the gender reform Bill last month to make it easier for people to change their legally-recognised sex. During an extensive debate the government specifically voted against an amendment aimed at preventing exactly this situation from arising.
Scottish Conservative leader, Mr Ross said: “The reality is this double rapist, this beast, is in a women’s prison right now. We think it is wrong that a rapist is sent to a women's prison. We believe that a rapist having access to women’s single-sex space is a threat.
“So given what the First Minister has just said and given he is currently in Cornton Vale, does the First Minister believe it is possible for a rapist to be held in a women’s prison and not be a threat to women?”
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The First Minister refused to confirm where the rapist was being held and argued that a rigorous risk assessment was underway by the Scottish Prison Service.
“Firstly, in general any prisoner who poses a risk of sexual offending is segregated from other prisoners including during the period of risk assessment. Secondly, there is no automatic right for a trans woman convicted of a crime to serve their sentence in a women’s prison, even if they have a gender recognition certificate.
“Every case is subject to rigorous risk individual risk assessment and part of that the safety of prisoners is paramount.”
She added: “In the case that has been in the media, that risk assessment is underway as in all cases the Scottish Prison Service won’t wait until an assessment is completed if action is required more quickly.”
