Overview
The complainant, Ms C, who is a prisoner, complained that HMP Cornton Vale were restricting her progression to less secure conditions. Ms C said that when her appeal against her conviction finalised early in 2011, she was told she would begin preparations for progression to less secure conditions but Ms C felt those preparations were not happening appropriately.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that HMP Cornton Vale are unreasonably preventing Ms C from progressing to less secure conditions (upheld)
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Scottish Prison Service:
- (i) review Ms Cs case as a matter of urgency to ensure that appropriate and reasonable steps are being taken to progress Ms C to the National Top End in line with relevant policy; and
- (ii) undertake a review of practice being applied at HMP Cornton Vale in relation to the progression of those prisoners who do not admit guilt to ensure that staff are managing those cases appropriately and in line with relevant policy.