Inmate ‘too dangerous’ to stand trial

A PRISONER accused of assaulting jail staff could dodge charges after being deemed too dangerous to go to court.

Andrew Burns, 25, from Kinglassie, Fife, who has a string of convictions for vandalism, assault and resisting arrest, allegedly attacked a warder and a nurse at HMP Glenochil, Clackmannanshire.

The warder is believed to have been so badly hurt he had to be taken to hospital. Burns, who claims to be transgender, is accused of hitting the nurse with a chair.

A Crown Office report, detailed in a Sunday newspaper, notes ‘the propensity this man has for violence and the lack of provisions for dealing with same at Alloa Sheriff Court’, adding: ‘Public interest is not best served by proceeding with these trials. The potential for harm is too grave.’

The Prison Officers Association Scotland (POAS) and Unison are appealling to Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.

Andy Hogg, POAS assistant general secretary, said: ‘It seems they’re saying the more violent you become, the less likely it is you will be taken to court.’

Scott Donohoe, of Unison, added: ‘We have zero tolerance towards any of our nursing staff being assaulted.’

The Crown Office said: ‘It was not in the public interest to continue the case to trial. At the request of one of the complainers, we are reviewing this decision.’