A biological female who was wrongly sent to an all-male maximum security jail had appeared in court accused of attempted murder.
Nathan Johnston was taken to Perth jail before bungling staff realised their prisoner should have been sent to a women’s prison.
Johnston, 25, from Fife, understood to be a trans male – a person born female – was taken to women’s jail Cornton Vale the next day.
It is in line with Scottish Prison Service policy that transgender inmates are placed according to their sex at birth. It’s understood incomplete paperwork relating to the sex of Johston was sent via police.
We can now reveal Johnston is accused of attempted murder, assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger to life.
We told last week an urgent review of procedures has been instigated after Police Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service confirmed the error.
Johnston made was remanded in custody after appearing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on October 21.
The prisoner was then processed as a man – based on appearance – and taken to Perth jail. After a detailed search, staff realised they had a female prisoner.
Johnston was kept in segregation before being moved the next day.
The Scottish Prison Service said: “We have procedures to keep every- one safe when admitted”.
Police Scotland said: “We are reviewing our custody procedure to ensure this does not happen again.”
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