Union fury as attacker is sent to Carstairs
cheek and will be left with permanent disfigurement.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard d there was “no background and d no history between the prison n officer and Stevenson”.
Andy Hogg, assistant general secretary of Prison Off icers Association Scotland, said: “The court’s decision reinforces our opinion that this man should
never have been moved out of the State Hospital and into a prison in the first place.
“This was a shocking and unprovoked attack on officer Sproull. We need a fundamental looklo at the procedures whichwh govern such transferstra to safeguard everyoneeveryo involved. “GivenGive that the scale of mental healthh issues in prisons is well documented, perhaps making use of an available ward in the State Hospital, as a halfway house under the control of medical professionals, could provide an answer to alleviating some of the mental health issues in prisons.”
A State Hospital spokeswoman said they could not comment on individual patients.
She said: “A patient would be considered for transfer once his mental health had improved and his behaviour settled for a prolonged period.
“The movement of any patient on a restr iction order is controlled by the Scottish Government and any decisions regarding detention are taken by the Mental Health Tribunal Scotland.”
The Scottish Prison Service said : “We recognise the impor tance of provid ing a safe env i ronment for our staff.
“It is our pol icy that al l assaults on staff are reported to the appropriate authorities.”