Concern over number of people dying in jail while held on remand

Prisoners are more likely to die behind bars if they are being held on remand, figures show.

Statistics from the Scottish Prison Service show remand prisoners make up 27 per cent of all deaths, despite making up just 18 per cent of the overall prison population.

The most common cause of death is suicide.

Scottish Labour, which carried out an analysis of the SPS figures, called for the use of remand to be reviewed. The party’s justice spokesman, Daniel Johnson, said: “In many cases remand is completely appropriate, such as for those charged with serious violent crime who may present a risk of reoffending.

“However, (Holyrood’s) justice committee has heard significant evidence that questions whether there is always proper justification for remanding prisoners prior to trials.

“It is clear from the evidence we heard that remand is being used too frequently, with all the resulting disruption to work, family and routine.

“The fact that these prisoners are much more likely to die while in prison requires serious examination.”

Earlier this year, the chief inspector of prisons expressed concern over the “heavy-handed” use of remand after it emerged that one in five of those behind bars in Scotland is being held awaiting trial.