Call to end free phones for prisoners

Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to halt the "costly and dangerous" policy of giving prisoners mobile phones.

The First Minister defended the scheme, which has cost more than £4 million, after being accused of dishing out "freebies for criminals".

Conservative MSP Russell Findlay said the devices had been misused thousands of times, including to order firebombings, deal drugs and threaten victims.

He asked Ms Sturgeon about the issue at First Minister's Questions.

She said: "At the start of the pandemic, we took the decision to provide mobile phones to those in custody to maintain vital family communication, including, and perhaps especially, with children during what was an incredibly challenging period and when normal visiting, of course, was impossible.

"Between then and April, the amount spent to date is £4.12m."

Mr Findlay accused the Scottish Government of slashing budgets for the police, courts and prisons, adding: "Money is tight, we get that.

"So how on earth can mobiles for prisoners at a cost of £4m and rising be a priority? Taxpayers' money should be spent on frontline services, not freebies for criminals."

Mr Findlay added: "Prison officers tell me these Snpissued phones are putting them in danger by fuelling violence between inmates." Ms Sturgeon said prison should be about rehabilitation as well as punishment.