JAILED brutes are attacking warders 250 times a year, shocking figures reveal.
Ministers have been accused of letting prison violence “spiral out of control” as stats showed staff endured 2,562 assaults by inmates in a decade.
There were 26 incidents involving Scots prison officers being attacked Glasgow’s tough Barlinnie nick[/caption]
Liam Kerr has urged Nats to ‘prioritise’ jail workers[/caption]
In a swipe over Nats spending cuts, Scottish Tory shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr has urged Nats to “prioritise” jail workers — warning they could quit amid fears for their safety.
Mr Kerr said: “The SNP have let violence against prison staff spiral out of control.
“Cuts mean hard-working officers have been left at the mercy of violence and threats from inmates.
“Resources should be clearly targeted so that staff get the extra support they desperately need.
“Otherwise, there is a real risk many more experienced staff may choose to leave the service and leave them even more overstretched.
“Instead of short-changing our justice system, the SNP must finally prioritise the safety of our prison staff.”
Cuts mean hard-working officers have been left at the mercy of violence and threats from inmates
Liam Kerr
The warning came weeks after it emerged that 177 Scots prison officers were attacked in 2023-24, including 26 incidents at Glasgow’s tough Barlinnie nick.
We also told how drones are increasingly being used to smuggle drugs and weapons to cons.
Scottish Prison Service chief executive Teresa Medhurst has called for more funding amid a rising jail population as well as the increasing cost of social care and security.
Almost 400 short-term prisoners are due to be released in February under controversial plans by SNP ministers to ease overcrowding at nicks nationwide.
It follows the emergency early release of 477 offenders in June and July.
But dozens were put back behind bars within weeks after reoffending.
Ministers said more than £880million will go to support frontline staff and improve the prisons estate.
A Scottish Government spokesman insisted: “Any attacks on prison staff are completely unacceptable.
Any attacks on prison staff are completely unacceptable. Everyone should be able to live and work safely in prisons
A Scottish Government spokesman
“Everyone should be able to live and work safely in prisons.
“We are investing £881.1million in 2025-2026.
“This will help to meet costs linked to the rising prison population and enable the Scottish Prison Service to continue to deliver a safe and secure prison system.”
A Scottish Prison Service spokesman last night said bosses take a “zero-tolerance approach” to violence.
He added: “All alleged incidents are reported to Police Scotland.
“We take consistent and robust action against those in our care who perpetrate violence, and offer support to those affected by it, including our staff.”
Ministers have been accused of letting prison violence ‘spiral out of control’[/caption]
