SCOTLAND'S controversial open prisons have been branded "a joke" in a television documentary.
The BBC Panorama show highlighted problems with the open prison estate both north and south of the Border.
It suggested overcrowding at other prisons was relieved by moving inmates to the open estate even though they were too dangerous to be ther
e.
The claim came after the Scottish Prison Service was strongly criticised over the case of Robert Foye, 28, who attacked a 16-year-old girl after absconding from Castle Huntly open prison, near Dundee.
But SNP Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill defended the open estate and said the accusations were misplaced.
"The accusation that pressure on prisons is being relieved by sending people to the open estate in England and Wales does not apply in Scotland," his spokesman said.
"In addition to the recommendations contained in the recent review of the Robert Foye case, which are being taken forward as a matter of urgency, the Justice Secretary has instructed SPS to establish individual governors at Castle Huntly and Noranside prisons.
"There is also now a clear presumption against returning a prisoner to the open estate if they have previously absconded."
"There are around 170 places available at Castle Huntly and Noranside, which are only three quarters full, providing concrete proof that the open estate isn't being used to relieve the pressure caused by overcrowding."
However, the Conservatives' justice spokesman, Bill Aitken, said: "Our open prisons have gained the reputation of living up to their name – open."
The full article contains 261 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
