Nicola Sturgeon sparks fury as she dodges giving straight answer on transgender rapist held female prison - 'Just be clear with people!'

Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the transgender rapist Isla Bryson will not serve in an-all female prison
Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the transgender rapist Isla Bryson will not serve in an-all female prison
Scottish Parliament TV
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 26/01/2023

- 12:20

Updated: 26/01/2023

- 13:05

The First Minister confirmed Isla Bryson would not be held in a female prison after anger at dodging questions

Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that transgender rapist Isla Bryson will not serve at Cornton Vale women’s prison in Stirling.

The Scottish First Minister spoke as the row continued over where Bryson, who was convicted earlier this week of raping two women when she was a man, should be imprisoned.


Speaking at First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood Nicola Sturgeon confirmed a risk assessment is being carried out by the Scottish Prison Service, as she stressed Bryson would not be held at the all-female prison.

She said: “It would not be appropriate for me in respect of any prisoner to give details of where they are being incarcerated.

Isla Bryson formerly known as Adam Graham will not serve their sentence at a female prison
Isla Bryson formerly known as Adam Graham will not serve their sentence at a female prison
Andrew Milligan

“But given the understandable public and parliamentary concern in this case I can confirm to parliament that this prisoner will not be incarcerated at Cornton Vale women’s prison.

“I hope that provides assurance to the public.”

Isla Bryson, previously known as Adam Graham and who transitioned only after being accused of the sex attacks, was found guilty of raping one woman in Clydebank in 2016 and another in Drumchapel, Glasgow, in 2019.

In a heated FMQs on Thursday, Sturgeon refused to confirm whether Bryson was previously housed at Cornton Vale.

The trans rapist will not be held at Cornton Vale prison in Stirling
The trans rapist will not be held at Cornton Vale prison in Stirling
Andrew Milligan

Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Douglas Ross quizzed The First Minister multiple times on where the rapist was being held at the moment.

He said: "You just have to be clear with people, can you confirm that a double rapist is being held in a woman's prison, because that's the situation."

Bryson, 31 is due to be sentenced next month and is facing a long prison sentence.

During the trial, it was claimed that the rapist had known about their trans status from the age of four but only began to be referred to as Isla after the charges.

Fiona Cruickshanks, head of operations and protection at the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), said if an individual inmate poses a particular risk, they can be removed and separated from other prisoners.

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