logo
Death rate in Scotland's prisons among highest in Europe

Death rate in Scotland's prisons among highest in Europe

Glasgow Times29-04-2025
The Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) said deaths rose from 40 in 2023 to 64 in 2024.
The majority of deaths in prison were caused by a health condition, suicide or were drug-related, the report said.
READ MORE: Two people taken to hospital after man struck by car
The SCCJR found 244 people died in custody or under state control in 2024.
The majority of these – 138 – were among people detained on mental health grounds, 19 were after police contact, and a further three were in police custody.
The SCCJR said 16 young people died in care, three people died while detained in immigration centres, and one inpatient with learning disabilities died while living in hospital.
Professor Sarah Armstrong at the University of Glasgow, who led the SCCJR research team, said: 'Last year we reported there were 40 deaths in prisons in 2023, which has now surged to 64 in 2024.
'It is of real concern that the mortality rate in our prisons has more than doubled in the last decade and is now among the highest in Europe.
'When we looked at international comparators, our death rates are more like Azerbaijan and Moldova, where torture and corruption have been documented, than England and Wales.'
READ MORE: Busy road in Glasgow's West End has closed following crash
She said the increase 'could both be due to the challenging physical environment of prison and the regimes inside it'.
Professor Armstrong added: 'Poor air quality, access to healthcare, extended periods of time being locked in cells, and increased isolation from others can all cause poor health, exacerbate existing conditions and lead to a loss of hope.
'We also identified a recurring pattern in prison deaths with officers not completing cell checks adequately, health concerns of prisoners being treated by staff as drug-seeking behaviour and signs of poor or declining mental health not being acted upon.
'Despite the Scottish Prison Service's commitment to learn from each death in custody, it is worrying to see deaths occurring in similar circumstances year after year.'
READ MORE: Investigations 'ongoing' following late afternoon attack
She questioned whether the Scottish Government 'knows who or how many are dying in their care'.
Report co-author Linda Allan, whose daughter Katie Allan died in custody at Polmont Young Offenders Institution (YOI) in 2018, at the age of 21, called for greater transparency.
The Glasgow University honorary clinical associate professor said: 'More than four people including children and young people die every week in this country while they are under the care of the state and it is unacceptable that in many cases we will never know what their names were, how they lived their lives, what led to their death and what these organisations are doing to stop it from happening again.
'We need independent, timely investigations for every death that occurs while someone is in the care of the state.
'We need to see robust data gathered, for internal reviews to be made public to ensure transparency, and for families to be included at every stage of the process.
'A Scotland where these things don't happen is a Scotland that doesn't care.'
READ MORE: Seventh person arrested following 'damage' to golf course
Katie Allan, who was a student at Glasgow University, had been serving a sentence for drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving when she killed herself.
Within months, William Brown, also known as William Lindsay, 16, killed himself in Polmont while remanded there due to a lack of space in a children's secure unit.
William and Katie (Image: Newsquest) A fatal accident inquiry into their deaths found they 'might have been avoided', in a determination published earlier this year.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: 'Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.
'We are determined to deliver systemic change, at pace, to how we support people in our care, in a way which will be enduring, transparent and impactful.'
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: 'Each year, thousands of people with a range of complex physical, mental and social issues have contact with police. It is therefore vital that any death following police contact is recorded and reviewed appropriately.
'This enables us to ensure that we did everything possible to safeguard that person. We have a duty of care in all public interactions, and we continually strive to improve how we serve our communities.
'We take the duty of care to people in police custody seriously and have rigorous procedures in place relating to the welfare of a person in custody.
'Police Scotland will notify the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) of any death in police custody, and will also notify COPFS and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) of any death following police contact where it is considered that police action was a contributable or causal factor, to allow independent assessment.'
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Pride of Britain hero with terminal cancer walking to give others hope - and a chance to live
The Pride of Britain hero with terminal cancer walking to give others hope - and a chance to live

ITV News

time6 hours ago

  • ITV News

The Pride of Britain hero with terminal cancer walking to give others hope - and a chance to live

Pride of Britain fundraiser Ian Hensley has conquered the 268-mile Pennine Way, all in support of a cure for cancer that he will not live to see. Sophie Wiggins joined him for ITV News Anglia. 'I've been walking in the mountains since I was 12. If I could die on top of a mountain, I'd be quite happy.' Ian Hensley says this with a quiet conviction. At 71 years old, with a crumbling spine, a terminal diagnosis, and three years of chemotherapy behind him, he has just completed a 268-mile walk along the famous Pennine Way. A walk that ITV News Anglia joined him on for a few days. It's a challenge many wouldn't attempt in full health, never mind living with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that weakens the bones and drains the body. But Ian, from Northamptonshire, did it anyway, making it from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish borders. All to raise money for a cure he knows he will never see. "They've been looking for a cure for more than 20 years," says Ian. "I just thought if I could raise enough money to go towards a cure, well, it won't help me, but it'll help others'. He was diagnosed in 2021, and given a life expectancy of just two to five years. Last year, he completed the Coast to Coast walk, and became ITV News Anglia's regional fundraiser of the year, which landed him a spot as a finalist at the national Pride of Britain Awards. After all of that, he decided to take on one of Britain's toughest long-distance trails. Some days, he says, he was in so much pain he needed morphine to keep moving. At his lowest, he fell and stumbled over and over again, but nothing stopped him from getting back up each time. He admits that he felt a lot fitter this time last year. 'My fitness isn't where it was," he says. "Because of the cancer, quite simply, my body isn't the same. Some days I was so out of it I don't know how I did the miles, but I did. "I just got up the next day and did them again.' I joined him for part of his walk at around the halfway mark, near Middleton-in-Teesdale. 'My legs are not working very well, and my back hurts," Ian tells me. "My breathing is a bit difficult. But other than that I'm okay, so I will carry on. Let's just keep going.' It's not just the miles that matter, it's what they represent. Every step was a small act of rebellion against the limitations of his body, and a quiet vow to keep going, for as long as he can. The three-week journey took him, and the various family members and friends who joined him each day, up mountains, through moorlands, across limestone pavements and peat bogs. Ian's connection to the outdoors runs deep. He spent years as a scout leader, leading others through wilderness. When asked why he loves being outdoors so much, he says: 'I like the solitude, especially at night-time when all the crowds are gone and it's just you left." "It's a place to be calm and quiet.' Ian says it's his friends and family who got him through the challenge. His best friend David not only helped with the logistics and planning, but walked with him, helped to administer medications and more. His friend Grant, "the taxi", ferried him between stops and brought cups of tea during breaks. He was joined by his daughter Hannah too along the trail. Strangers became supporters - rangers, walkers, farmers. Ian told many people along the way about his mission and several were happy to hand over cash there and then for the cause. His wife Gill, Ian says, has been his rock throughout. She says: 'We've said from the start of this that we're in this together. I was worried and had my reservations, but I knew that if he said he could do it, then he'd do it. "Its been hard for us, everything's a lot slower for him now, but he did it, and it's just amazing. He's just so inspirational.' Ian has now raised over £25,000 for Myeloma UK to go towards funding that much-needed cure. When asked how he finds the motivation to complete such a challenge, Ian's answer is simple. 'Because you have to," he says. "You have to just keep going." Ian and his family say they don't really know what the next year will hold. 'We don't have any more big walks planned for the foreseeable, but it's not totally out of the question," he tells me. For now, he says he wants to focus on his health, on enjoying dog walks round the village, spending time with his wife, Gill, and supporting his grandson, Charlie, who is currently training to run the London Marathon for Myeloma UK. 'We don't know how long I've got,' he said. 'But this gave me something to aim for - through the hardest part of my life, and I don't plan to stop walking yet.'

Itchy Pet Awareness Month shines light on skin conditions in Scotland's pets
Itchy Pet Awareness Month shines light on skin conditions in Scotland's pets

Scotsman

time8 hours ago

  • Scotsman

Itchy Pet Awareness Month shines light on skin conditions in Scotland's pets

In Scotland, a Zoetis UK survey of pet owners revealed similar concerns about skin-related discomfort in pets. Around 71% of owners reported noticing their pets licking excessively, 65% had observed scratching, and 38% had seen rubbing - behaviours that can signal underlying skin issues. Free weekly newsletter Join our weekly YourWorld newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes insights from our editors and your chance to shape what's next. Free weekly newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With the warmer weather lifting our spirits, many of us are spending more time with our pets, enjoying brighter days and longer evenings. But while the warmer weather brings joy for humans, it can be a little tougher on our furry friends. Heat alone can be uncomfortable for pets - and when itchy skin is added into the mix, it can make things even worse. In fact, itching is one of the top three reasons why people take their dog to the vet. In Scotland, a Zoetis UK survey of pet owners revealed similar concerns about skin-related discomfort in pets. Around 71% of owners reported noticing their pets licking excessively, 65% had observed scratching, and 38% had seen rubbing - behaviours that can signal underlying skin issues. Despite this, 11% of Scottish pet owners were unaware that cats and dogs can develop allergic reactions. Just over one in five (21%) said that itchy behaviours were affecting their sleep, yet many may be overlooking the warning signs. In fact, 58% of respondents considered daily scratching, licking, or rubbing to be normal, when these habits may point to treatable skin conditions. More than half (58%) expressed heightened concern about their pet's health during the summer, with 26% identifying seasonal allergies as a particular worry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Itchy Pet Awareness Month (an awareness milestone coined by animal health company Zoetis) this August serves as an important reminder that all cats, dogs and other furry animals can suffer from allergies too. This initiative shines a light on the importance of being vigilant when it comes to dogs itching themselves and ensuring that this condition is not overlooked by owners. Unlike humans, pets are more likely to show signs through their skin. Persistent scratching, nibbling at paws, or rubbing up against furniture can sometimes be dismissed as 'just a behavioural thing', when in fact, these may be a pet's only way of asking for help and they can be early signs of discomfort in our four-legged friends. Person holding corgi/dog's face in their hands Up to 15% of dogs are estimated to suffer from allergies, yet surprisingly, a recent survey from Zoetis revealed one in 10 pet owners (11%) don't realise cats and dogs can develop allergic reactions at all. Additionally, nearly two-thirds (64%) of pet owners think daily scratching is 'normal', when it is actually often a symptom of discomfort. Zoetis UK are calling for all pet owners to keep a close eye on their pets during these warmer months, looking out for behaviours such as persistent chewing at paws, brushing against furniture, or any indication of unease. Jonathan Lambert, Vet and Companion Animal Veterinary Lead at Zoetis explains, 'Itchy skin in pets is more common than people realise. While we might expect to see sneezing or sniffles, many allergic responses in dogs and cats show up as excessive licking, scratching, or red and irritated skin. These signs are often missed or mistaken for behavioural quirks, but they can be a signal that something's not quite right. The good news is that help is available – your vet can work with you to identify the cause and recommend ways to offer the most appropriate sources of comfort.' Top tips for pet owners this Itchy Pet Awareness Month: Look beyond the obvious – Constant scratching, licking paws, or head shaking can all be signs of underlying irritation. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is. – Constant scratching, licking paws, or head shaking can all be signs of underlying irritation. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is. Don't dismiss 'doggy habits' – Behaviours like rubbing against furniture, scooting, or biting at the same spot repeatedly can indicate a skin issue, not just a funny quirk. – Behaviours like rubbing against furniture, scooting, or biting at the same spot repeatedly can indicate a skin issue, not just a funny quirk. Keep skin and coat healthy – Regular grooming helps you spot changes early and keeps the coat clean and comfortable. If the skin looks red, greasy, or flaky, speak to your vet. – Regular grooming helps you spot changes early and keeps the coat clean and comfortable. If the skin looks red, greasy, or flaky, speak to your vet. Stay flea smart – Even one bite from a flea can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets. Keeping up with preventative treatments is key. – Even one bite from a flea can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets. Keeping up with preventative treatments is key. Talk to your vet – You know your pet best. If their behaviour changes or they seem uncomfortable, don't wait. A vet check can bring much-needed relief and avoid further problems. If you're worried about your pet's behaviour, skin, or comfort then check with your vet. They can help diagnose and treat itchy skin, allergies, heat-related problems, and keep your dog healthy and happy so you can both enjoy summer, without excessive scratching! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad

Scottish pensioners with ongoing health issues could be due up to £110 every week
Scottish pensioners with ongoing health issues could be due up to £110 every week

Daily Record

time14 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Scottish pensioners with ongoing health issues could be due up to £110 every week

Pension Age Disability Payment is only available for older people with a Scottish postcode. Pensioners in Scotland are being urged to contact a charity for help claiming a new disability benefit, only available to people over 66 living north of the border. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland and replaces all new claims for Attendance Allowance. ‌ Existing Attendance Allowance claimants will continue to receive payments of up to £441.60 every four-week payment period from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) until their award transfers to the devolved IT system before the end of this year. ‌ National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland said households should not be concerned by the switch from Attendance Allowance to PADP as there will be no break in payments of either £75.90 or £110.40 each week. However, any changes in circumstances should continue to be reported to DWP until the migration has been completed. ‌ The charity, which handles more than 900,000 inquiries a year, can help people of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition, make a new claim for PADP or answer queries on the move from Attendance Allowance. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'This is essentially a rebranding of an existing benefit, in this case, Attendance Allowance. While the name and handling are changing, the support remains the same. 'We understand that these changes can cause concern for some people who fear they may lose out. It's crucial that older people who are disabled, terminally ill, or have care needs continue to receive the financial support necessary to maintain their well-being, safety, and dignity. ‌ 'The Pension Age Disability Payment will be a vital source of assistance for those with long-term health conditions. With the rising cost of living and increasing bills, it's more important than ever that older people access all available financial aid. 'If you're uncertain about your eligibility or need help with an application, our team at is here to offer free, confidential support.' ‌ Pension Age Disability Payment is available to people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It is also available to pensioners who are terminally ill. It is the latest benefit to be managed by the Scottish Government through Social Security Scotland. Scots can check their eligibility and apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment on the website here. The team can be reached at 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or through their website at ‌ Advice Direct Scotland also provides an online benefits calculator to help people assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits. You can check for unclaimed benefits or discounts here. New figures from Social Security Scotland show there were 1,875 people over 66 now receiving Pension Age Disability Payments. ‌ People of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition could be eligible for the lower rate of £73.90 if they need help during the day or at night, or the higher rate of £110.40, if they need help during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill. For anyone thinking about making a new claim, the latest data indicates the average processing time - from point of application to decision award letter - is currently six working days. For those applying with a terminal illness it is one working day. This means people submitting a new claim this weekend could receive a letter or an email at the start of next month. However, it's important to be aware that complex cases may take longer and as awareness about the new benefit grows, that timeframe will undoubtedly increase. ‌ Insights from Social Security Scotland also shows the most common age of claimants is currently over 75. It also reveals that of the 2,575 applications processed - with a decision made by April 30 - 77 per cent were authorised, 11 per cent were denied and 11 per cent were withdrawn. Most successful applicants received the higher rate. Of all authorised applications, 79 per cent were awarded the higher level of 110.40 per week and 21 per cent were awarded the lower level of £73.90 over the period to 30 April 2025. ‌ Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions. It's important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the website here. ‌ Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain Arthritis Spondylosis Back Pain Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints Trauma to Limbs Visual Disorders and Diseases Hearing Disorders Heart Disease Respiratory Disorders and Diseases Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Cerebrovascular Disease Peripheral vascular Disease Epilepsy Neurological Diseases Multiple Sclerosis Parkinsons Disease Motor Neurone Disease Chronic Pain Syndromes Diabetes Mellitus Metabolic Disease Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia Learning Difficulties Psychosis Psychoneurosis Personality Disorder Dementia Behavioural Disorder Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hyperkinetic Syndrome Renal Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Bowel and Stomach Disease Blood Disorders Haemophilia Multi System Disorders Multiple Allergy Syndrome Skin Disease Malignant Disease Severely Mentally impaired Double Amputee Deaf/Blind Haemodialysis Frailty Total Parenteral Nutrition AIDS Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19 The Scottish Government said PADP has been designed with the help of people who will be eligible for the benefit and those who support them. Improvements include a streamlined process for people to nominate a third party representative who can support them to communicate with Social Security Scotland. A fast-track process will be put in place for applicants diagnosed with a terminal illness. As already mentioned, this takes just one working day on average to process. ‌ Eligibility for Pension Age Disability Payment Guidance on provides full details on who can claim, how to claim, additional help available, what happens after a claim is submitted and extra support for successful claimants. Find out more here. You can apply for Pension Age Disability Payment if you have both: ‌ Reached State Pension age (66) Had care needs during the day or night for 6 months or more because of a disability or health condition You can still apply if: You have not had care needs for 6 months or more - your award will begin 6 months from when your care needs started if your application is successful You are waiting for, or do not have, a diagnosis You have a terminal illness - there is a separate fast-track application process if you're terminally ill ‌ It's important to be aware you cannot get Pension Age Disability Payment and Attendance Allowance at the same time. Existing claimants will automatically move to Pension Age Disability Payment - Social Security Scotland will do this and you will not have to do anything. If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you do not need to do anything. Your benefit will move to Social Security Scotland. ‌ Payment rates for Pension Age Disability Payment Social Security Scotland will provide Pension Age Disability Payment at the same weekly rate as Attendance Allowance. It is also currently doing this for the devolved Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment. The weekly payment rates for Attendance Allowance are: Lower rate - £73.90 Higher rate - £110.40 ‌ How do I apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment? You can only apply for the new disability assistance benefit if it has opened in your area. You can check on the dedicated pages on here. Anyone over State Pension age with a disability that means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe, should continue to apply for Attendance Allowance through the DWP. Get support making a claim from an independent advocate Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits. ‌ It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits. If you need an advocate, you should: contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222 ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service Full contact details can be found here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store