Trans killer says 'human rights breached' over leaked recording of 'joke'
A trans killer claims her human rights were breached after a security guard secretly recorded her sharing a joke with a colleague.
Life prisoner Sophie Eastwood alleges the incident was an intrusion into her privacy and that of the guard. Since the recording was made the man she was joking with has been sacked and she is calling for him to be reinstated - while she also wants disciplinary action against the other guard.
Eastwood, 39, has been in Wishaw General Hospital, North Lanarkshire, since August last year because a fissure in her small intestine, caused by swallowing sharp objects as she struggled with her mental health leaving her unable to eat and drink normally.
She has been kept in hospital where Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), which gives her the nutrition she needs intravenously, has been administered to keep her alive while senior medics assess whether an operation might be possible.
GeoAmey, the company that manages prisoner transfers between jail and court and also hospital visits and stays, has had two guards with Eastwood, who is cuffed and chained to one of the guards, 24 hours a day.
Eastwood told the Daily Record: 'As a prisoner, people have power over me and might find a way to punish me for speaking out, but this is so unfair I feel I have to.
'The guy who was suspended is very good at his job and is liked and respected by everyone, and all his colleagues are really gutted for him, but they can't influence what happens to him. I've had a wide array of guards watching me over the past ten months or so, and he was one of the best.
'He is friendly while making it clear he is in charge and he has been with GeoAmey for many years. He was on duty on the night of May 21 into May 22 with a female colleague who I also thought I knew. Throughout her shift, she was nipping out for five, ten minutes, and I assumed it was toilet breaks or breaks to have a cigarette or a vape.
'But it turned out that she was leaving her mobile phone behind and, obviously without our knowledge or consent, was leaving it to record our conversations. We learned she had handed the recordings over to GeoAmey managers at the Bellshill headquarters. There was nothing that I recall that should have been a disciplinary matter.
'At one point, I think because we thought she was going out for a vape, we joked about a previous incident where I had my room and bathroom searched for vapes – I didn't have any - and it was reported in the Record. It seems a guy with many years' service, who is really good at his job, has been suspended for having a joke with a prisoner.'
It has long been established that covert recordings, even of active criminals planning an operation, are not legal and cannot be used as evidence in court without consent, or a warrant from a sheriff has allowed it in the public interest.
Eastwood said: 'Nothing we discussed would have been of any interest to the public, and we didn't know we were being recorded so how is this possible?'
She added that she knew the names of both security guards involved but was not sharing them out of respect for their privacy. Earlier this year Eastwood had her TPN withdrawn following a crisis in her mental health.
The unexpected death of her father led to her attempting to self-harm with scissors and a razor blade. She now awaits a decision on whether an operation that would allow her to eat normally might be attempted. If successful, this would see her returned to prison.
Eastwood is serving life for the murder of cellmate Paul Algie, 22, in 2004, in Dumfries Young Offenders Institution when she was just 18 and still living as Daniel Eastwood.
Eastwood was close to being released from prison for driving offences when she committed the murder, which she says she regrets every day and will regret until her own death. Ordered to serve a minimum 15 years at the High Court in Glasgow, she has now served more than 20.
If an operation were successful, she would almost certainly be returned to Glenochil Prison, where she became seriously unwell after being moved back to the male estate having spent many years among female prisoners.
This followed the farce at the start of last year around the rapist Adam Graham, who declared while facing two rape charges that he was transitioning to female and wanted to be known as Isla Bryson and serve his sentence in a female jail.
The political fallout from that case led the SPS to review its management of all trans prisoners, and some were moved back into prisons that aligned with their gender at birth.
Eastwood had previously been bullied and assaulted by male prisoners after starting to transition in 2017 and was terrified to be back among them. A GeoAmey spokesperson said: 'All allegations regarding staff conduct are subject to internal investigation. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
Social influencer gangster attacked after filming video where Scottish mobsters died
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A gangster was brutally attacked just days after making a video at the scene of the murders of two Scottish mob leaders. Self-styled social influencer Sam Walker – who has gathered a massive online following with reports on his criminal life – was seriously injured in the attack, which left him with a mass of staples in his skull. The attack came after he posted a video from Monaghan's bar in Fuengirola, in the Costa del Sol. The "reportage" video was seen by some in the community as disrespectful to victims Ross Monaghan, who owned the bar, and his long-time friend and associate Eddie Lyons jnr. The pair were gunned down on May 31 in front of terrified punters who had been enjoying the Champions League final, reports the Daily Record. READ MORE - Exact date Edinburgh heatwave coming as residents set for temperatures of 27C READ MORE - Fans divided after Edinburgh Castle gig as Marti Pellow takes to stage Walker, from Liverpool, had visited the scene shortly after the horror shootings and used the footage on his Instagram and TikTok platforms. He is heard saying at the end of the footage: "This is a message to any one of yous out here. Stay on point, because if you get caught slipping. That's what happens. Three people have been whacked, two people are dead. "Have a nice day, bam bam." It later emerged that Walker was savagely attacked in nearby Puerto Banus, where he suffered serious head injuries in the assault believed by some other bloggers to have involved golf clubs. After surgery in a Spanish hospital, he made a series of videos, showing off the staples that were holding his head together. (Image: Daily Record) A source said: "Sam Walker is very well known and has a big social media following but he is not in the same criminal league as some of the big players who have settled here. Walker is known to create noise around his movements and to chase followers and hits, so there was scepticism at the seriousness of the attack at the start. "But it does seem that he was very badly injured. It has been reported on several social media channels that the side of his head was 'caved in' and fragments of bone were lodged in his brain." The source added: "We don't know for sure but the video he made shortly after the Glasgow people were murdered did not go down well in some quarters and there remains the question that he was attacked as revenge. "Spanish police are well aware of this suggestion. There are various theories as to the motive for the attack. It is almost certainly related to gangland grudges." In recent years, Walker has spent time in Sierra Leone, Turkey, Cyprus, Ireland, Thailand and other locations. His friends include other drug dealers and assorted criminals. The crook has attracted a big following on Instagram and TikTok but is mocked for fabricating stories. He also been involved acts of kindness and charity work in Africa. In the summer of 2018, Walker filmed himself surrounded by celebrating children in a poverty-stricken slum in Sierra Leone. He had just overseen the delivery of a container full of supplies and the installation of a water tank and pipes to the West African country's capital, Freetown. Amid clapping and cheering, one man said: "We are happy that our brother Sam has come to help us with water and sanitation. We thank God for him." Walker told the camera: "Now, no child is going to have to drink dirty water again." The crook had travelled by private jet to Belgium, flown to Spain, caught a cargo ship to Morocco, then driven through the Sahara desert to reach his destination. All throughout his journey, he taunted police officers in social media posts, laughing and posting at the end of his epic trip: "Better luck trying to catch me when I go out of the country next time, Merseyside Police." In March last year, Walker further mocked police after skipping bail in the UK and fleeing back to Sierra Leone by private jet. He was arrested by local armed officers as he filmed a live TikTok video. Self-confessed career criminal Walker – who once threatened to end the career of England football star Ross Barkley and was involved in an unlikely spat with actor Stephen Fry – was tracked down as he toured the streets of the impoverished African country. In September last year, the 40-year-old Scouser was convicted of contempt of court for live streaming on TikTok from an Irish courtroom. Walker, said to have convictions for more than 130 offences, was in court to plead guilty to driving offences. Monaghan, 43, was shot dead alongside Lyons jnr, 46, in Fuengirola. Both men were senior members of the Lyons crime family. An alleged hitman has appeared in court after being arrested over the double killing. Michael Riley, 44, of Liverpool's Huyton, is also fighting extradition to Spain. Merseyside Police nicked Riley on June 13 after Spanish officers issued an international arrest warrant. A magistrates court deemed him a flight risk and remanded him in custody.
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Billy Connolly scarecrow stolen from garden near Big Yin's former home
Louise, 65, whose late brother-in-law Davie was Billy's minder when he was a resident in Drymen, Stirlingshire, is hoping the comedian himself might make an appeal for the scarecrow to be brought home. Louise Haggerty is clutching at straws trying to track down her stolen Billy Connolly scarecrow. It was nicked from her front garden just a few hundred yards from where the Big Yin himself lived in the late 70s. Louise, 65, whose late brother-in-law Davie was Billy's minder and best pal when he was a resident in Drymen, Stirlingshire, is hoping the comedian himself might make an appeal for the scarecrow's return if he reads the Record. She said: 'Every year as part of the Drymen Gala Day celebrations, there's a scarecrow competition and this year we decided to do Billy with his banana feet. 'It turned out great and you have no idea the number of people who stopped to photograph it. Some even climbed up to our fence to have their picture taken beside Billy. 'The gala committee decided on a Hawaiian theme for the scarecrows this year so we just shoved a garland round its neck. 'It was great. I went into the butcher's and he said it was the talk of the steamie. 'But on Saturday night, a car pulled up, and somebody jumped out and stole our scarecrow. 'It's wearing my leggings and T-shirt and I'd like them back. 'I was angry at first but we can see the funny side now. 'If the scarecrow is off on a haycation somewhere and somebody's getting pleasure from it, fair enough. But I'd hate to think it's been flytipped, because a lot of work went into it. I made the big banana feet from old oilskins and the hair, beard and eyebrows from sheep's wool I dyed black. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'John even made a wee banjo for it. Just before it was stolen, John heard a lot of cackling and laughing and a horn beep, beep, beeping. 'He went outside and all that was left of Billy was his glasses. 'He's raging and says he'd like to get his hands on whoever stole Billy. 'It seems like it was just a quick grab and go. 'The gala was last month but I was going to leave it out until the end of August just because of the amount of interest it sparked. 'Whoever has taken it has ruined the fun and joy for other people.' After the couple divorced, he moved to London and now lives in Florida with second wife Pamela Stephenson. Louise said: 'We'd love to know where the scarecrow is now. 'John's brother Davie was great friends with Billy when he lived here all those years ago so maybe if he reads the Daily Record, he could put out an appeal for the return of the scarecrow and help us get it back.'
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Daily Record
Cancer doctor blames Covid after downloading sick images of children
Consultant urologist Paul Struch, 41, received a suspended prison sentence on Thursday and will also be hauled before a a professional disciplinary hearing for his actions. A top cancer doctor has blamed the coronavirus pandemic for making him exhausted after he was caught downloading explicit images of underage girls - some as young as four. Consultant urologist Paul Struch, 41, received a suspended prison sentence on Thursday and will also be hauled before a professional disciplinary hearing for his actions. Police raided Struch's apartment in Hitch Quay, Wandsworth, south London, after a sting operation which caught him chatting to an undercover officer concerning his interest in girls aged four years old and up, The Mirror reports. When his address was searched, the doctor was seen attempting to tamper with or destroy a memory stick on which images were found, prosecutor Jonathan Gold told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. The prosecutor said: "His address was searched and he was seen attempting to tamper with or destroy a memory stick on which images were found along with a white iPhone. There are some aggravating features, the ages of some of the children are quite young, some are as young as four years-old." The court heard that Sturch's mental health deteriorated while working on the medical frontline of the Covid-19 pandemic - and Simon Ray KC, defending, told Judge Anne Brown: "The General Medical Council (GMC) are aware and a custodial sentence would almost certainly end his career, but not if you follow the recommendation of the pre-sentence report of a community sentence." The doctor, who hasn't returned to work at King's College Hospital, Camberwell, said he feels "appalled, crushed and overwhelmed by remorse and shame. His KC reminded the court that Sturch's offending was purely online and didn't involve physical contact with children. The barrister said Sturch still has ambitions to return to the medical profession "There is nothing professionally that brings him into contact with children. His speciality is very much adult men," said Mr Ray. "He was working to exhaustion to save lives during the Covid-19 pandemic and he has dedicated his life to the care of others. "This frontline work on the Covid ward contributed to his mental disintegration that led to the commission of these offences. He takes full responsibility for his actions and offending, although he recalls little of his offending actions. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "He is a consultant urological surgeon with a speciality in prostate cancer, undertaking life-saving procedures. He has skills that are rare. If ever there was a case where the court can be sure offences will not be repeated its is this one. "The effect on the defendant losing his career and everything he has worked for would be devastating. Work is his identity and it is something he has worked on all of his life," added Mr Ray. "If the defendant is struck-off it would be a personal tragedy and the NHS would lose a talented surgeon." Judge Brown sentenced Sturch to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months, which includes thirty days of a rehabilitation activity requirement. He will also be under Probation Service supervision for eighteen months, must sign the sex offenders register for seven years and was made subject to a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his internet use, plus further conditions. "There were children under obvious distress and I will not go into details in open court," announced Judge Brown. "We must take the age and vulnerability of the children into account. It is not for me to second-guess the GMC. I have to decide if there is an alternative to a custodial sentence. "I do not think it is helpful to guess what the GMC will do in the future. I don't know their work," said the judge. "By the time the police came to his flat he was no longer going to work," said Mr Ray. "The police body worn camera presents a powerful image of where he was at the time in his life. His state and the state of his flat." The defence submitted medical reports revealed Sturch had a depressive disorder that led to "poor judgement and impulsivity." Mr Ray added: "People can function when they really, really have to, but behind the scenes they are collapsing."
