Vulnerable teen dies in jail despite suicide alert

A vulnerable teenager has taken his own life within 48 hours of being sent to Polmont Young Offenders’ Institution.

William Lindsay, 16, also known as Brown, was flagged up as a suicide risk and the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) and Glasgow’s chief social work officer had requested for him to be placed in a secure unit, but there were no places available.

The SCRA had also wanted Lindsay’s case to be kept within the children’s hearing system because of his vulnerability, but this was overruled by the Crown Office.

Lindsay appeared before Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 4, charged with possession of a knife, assault and breach of the peace.

His suicide has caused widespread concern within the SCRA, Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Prison Service and the Scottish Government.

His death comes after Katie Allen, 21, who was jailed for drink driving, also killed herself in Polmont in June. Her parents claim that she was bullied by other prisoners and repeatedly strip-searched by staff who failed to see or act upon her self-harming wounds.

They are calling for a review of the way mental health is handled in the prison system.