19 offenders from HMP Edinburgh released early under Covid-19 rules

Prisoners across Scotland have released early to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has allowed 19 offenders from HMP Edinburgh to walk free, as part of an early release scheme designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

New figures reveal that 154 prisoners across Scotland have been given early release under stipulations in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020, passed in April.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf described the figures as “positive progress” and said it has “helped to make prisons safe environments”.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has allowed 19 offenders from HMP Edinburgh to walk free, as part of an early release scheme designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The deaths of six inmates have been linked to coronavirus.

The first early releases took place on May 6, according to an SPS report, and none of the prisoners involved showed symptoms of Covid-19, which would have delayed their release.

The scheme is limited to those sentenced to 18 months or less and who on had 90 days or less left to serve as of April 30.

A total of 445 prisoners are considered eligible for the early release scheme, which is being dealt with in three phases up to June 1.

A governor’s veto was used to prevent an early release in 23 cases across Scotland, but none of the offenders from HMP Edinburgh were subject to one.

Figures from the SPS show that there are currently 24 inmates self-isolating in nine prisons across Scotland, though only one of them has tested positive for the virus.

Between one and four inmates are self isolating at HMP Edinburgh, though the exact figure cannot be released by the SPS.

Rules in place to avoid the possible identification of inmates means the prison service does not give exact figures for establishments where fewer than five prisoners are self-isolating.

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