Scotland’s prisons are bursting at the seams with repeated early release schemes failing to get a grip on the problem.
Allan Marshall died after being restrained by officers at HMP Edinburgh in 2015(Image: Rutherglen)
The number of prisoners dying in Scots jails has soared to its highest level in more than a decade amid an ongoing overcrowding crisis.
Official figures published today revealed 54 deaths were recorded in prison custody in 2023-24 – an increase of 15 on the year before – and the highest total since 2012.
Ten of the deaths last year were recorded as suicide while a dozen were found to be the result of a drug overdose.
Almost 400 inmates have died while on remand or serving times over the last 14 years, with 29 per cent of fatalities a result of suicide.
Daniel Kerr, 19, became the latest suspected death from suicide in jail when he was found dead at Polmont Young Offender’s Institution earlier this month.
The teenager was placed on suicide watch following the death of his mum weeks earlier.
The rise in fatalities comes at a time many jails are bursting at the seams despite repeated early release schemes – which has led to some inmates walking free after serving just 30 per cent of their sentence.
Angela Constance, the under-fire Justice Secretary, told MSPs last month that hundreds more inmates would have to be released early after the country’s prison population hit another record high.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has also been rocked by several high-profile deaths in custody which have raised serious questions about inmate safety.
Allan Marshall was on remand at HMP Edinburgh in March 2015 when he was restrained face down by up to 17 prison officers. He died four days later.
The SPS finally admitted last year Marshall’s death was unlawful. A Court of Session hearing this month is deciding how much compensation his family should now receive.
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The court case is Scotland’s first using article two of the Human Rights Act 1998 – breach of the right to life.
Marshall, from Carluke in South Lanarkshire, was on remand for unpaid fines and breach of the peace charges when he experienced a mental health crisis.
He was transferred to HMP Edinburgh’s segregation unit after prison officers said he had become agitated.
CCTV showed Marshall, who had an underlying heart condition, being dragged and restrained by up to 17 prison officers – some of whom used their feet.
Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservatives justice spokesman, said: “The record number of deaths in custody is deeply concerning and underlines the scale of the crisis in Scotland’s prisons under the SNP.
“Overcrowding, staff shortages and the growing prevalence of drugs are putting intolerable pressure the prison system.
“Despite the SNP’s reckless early-release scheme, our jails remain overstretched and the underlying problems have not been addressed.”
Constance said: “Every death in custody is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families, friends and staff who are affected.
“Keeping people safe in our prisons continues to be a top priority for this Government. Over the past year we have taken further steps to strengthen how vulnerable people are supported in custody.”
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “The death of anyone in our care is a profound loss for all who knew and supported the individual. Behind every statistic in this report is a person, and we never lose sight of that.
“Our commitment to improving safety, care and wellbeing across the prison estate remains unwavering. Together with our partners, we will continue to learn, deepen our understanding, and strengthen the systems and supports that protect people in our care.”
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