20 MURDERERS SAY THEY ARE TRANS

THE number of transgender murderers behind bars has doubled in the past four years, according to official figures.

Twenty killers last year told the prison authorities that they are transgender – up from nine who did so in 2016.

The Ministry of Justice figures will intensify suspicion that some violent criminals may be identifying as trans in the hope of getting better treatment in jail or being transferred to a women’s prison. Ministers last year established a dedicated wing at Downview in Surrey – a women’s closed category prison – for male-born prisoners who now identify as female.

It followed the scandal involving Karen White, a transgender inmate who sexually assaulted two women while on remand in New Hall women’s prison in West Yorkshire. An event last month hosted by the Prisoners’ Advice Service heard that four inmates had since been placed in the unit – of whom three had convictions for sexual offences – but all but one has now been placed in a women’s jail.

Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer said robust rules were in place to ensure all inmates were managed safely, adding: ‘ We expect all prisoners t o be treated fairly, lawfully and decently, with their rights and safety properly respected.’