Polmont Custody Deaths Should Spark Change in Scottish Prisons, Families Say

Polmont: The families of two young Scots who died in custody are calling for change. They believe these tragic deaths should lead to a turning point in prison operations.

Katie Allan, 21, and William Lindsay, 16, both died at Polmont Young Offenders Institution in 2018. Their families spoke out after the Scottish Government accepted findings from a Fatal Accident Inquiry.

A sheriff recently stated that the Scottish Prison Service could have taken steps to prevent these deaths. John Swinney met with the families before Justice Secretary Angela Constance addressed MSPs about the recommendations.

Constance emphasized the need for an independent oversight mechanism to ensure accountability. She acknowledged that these deaths should not have happened while the state was responsible for their care.

Aamer Anwar, the families’ solicitor, expressed hope for change. He stated that the Scottish Prison Service must realize that suicides are not inevitable. The families welcomed the government’s acceptance of the inquiry’s findings.

However, they also cautioned that past oversight has failed. They hope the new measures will lead to real improvements in the system. The families are determined to see justice for Katie and William, and for others who have suffered similarly.