Thugs handed violent games to play in jail

YOUNG criminals have been given access to violent computer games involving assault, murder and high-speed car chases.

Inmates at Polmont Young Offenders Institution near Falkirk were bought nine copies of the Grand Theft Auto V game, which includes graphic depiction of torture.

The games were part of a £25,000 package of books, DVDs, CDs and computer games bought by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) for the enjoyment of convicted criminals throughout the country.

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show the SPS spent more than £3,000 on computer games for inmates at Polmont between 2014-2016.

As well as Grand Theft Auto V, young offenders at the establishment received copies of Ultra Street Fighter 4 and the military game Call of Duty.

Grand Theft Auto V puts players in the role of a big-city criminal navigating a fictional landscape and making progress by stealing cars and other vehicles while evading the police.

A mission that requires players to use torture equipment in a hostage interrogation drew criticism when the game was released in 2013. SPS officials, who also ordered almost 5,700 LED televisions between 2013 and 2016, say computer games are a privilege available at the governor’s discretion.

But concerns have been raised over whether or not the genres chosen are appropriate for pris- oners. Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Douglas Ross said: ‘There’s no problem with prisons providing entertainment to inmates to help pass some of the time.

‘But stocking libraries full of aggressive literature and encouraging the playing of violent games isn’t going to aid the rehabilitation process. More of the focus for these individuals has to be on work, education and rehabilitation.

‘That, instead of spending hours playing extreme computer games, would give them more chance of reintegrating with society on their release.’

Books bought over the threeyear period for Polmont inmates included Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn, Cocaine Confidential, by Wensley Clarkson and Nigel Blundell’s The World’s most Evil Gangs.

Inmates at HMP Dumfries received copies of His Bloody Project, by Graeme Macrae Burnet and Love You Dead, by Peter James.

Computer games, books, DVDs and CDs are bought using the prison’s recreation fund or via the Common Good Fund, which is financed from the profits of prison shops.

While many prisons rely on donations or local library services, 14 institutions were found to have spent a total of £24,701 on new items for prisoners.

A spokesman for the TaxPayers’ Alliance said: ‘This is a huge amount to spend when many in the prison service are complaining about funding and staffing.

‘Prisoners do need entertainment to pass the time, but the costs have to be proportional and content appropriate.

‘Taxpayers may well be concerned what inmates are learning from some of these highly questionable purchases.’

A spokesman for the SPS said: ‘The titles reflect what is available in the community.’

‘Won’t help with rehabilitation’