Jail converts farce

NEWS that hardened criminals in a Scottish prison had found religious faith would normally be welcome news. But in the case of lags at Glenochil jail, there is nothing to celebrate.

Instead of truly finding the guidance of some higher power, inmates are claiming to follow Judaism simply to get what they believe is higher quality food.

Prison wardens insist the inmates are performing a ‘two-finger salute’ to the authorities by creating the extra work required to provide their special diet.

There is, of course, an easy way to find out who is truly observant and who is not. If those who demand a special diet also spend time in prayer and study, then they may be considered genuine.

If not, then this farce – which makes a mockery of the Jewish faith and the prison service – must be brought to an end, immediately.