NICOLA STURGEON: It is segregated
from other prisoners, including during any period
of risk assessment.
Secondly, there is no automatic rate for a transwoman convicted
of a crime to serve their sentence in a female prison,
even if they have a gender recognition certificate.
Every case is subject to rigorous individual risk
assessment.
And as part of that, the safety of other prisoners
is paramount.
Finally, in general terms and perhaps most importantly,
I heard the Chief Executive of Crisis Scotland
say this yesterday.
I don't see how it's possible to have a rapist
within a female prison.
And so let me be very clear, I agree with that statement.
Bearing in mind what I've just said about the importance
of individualized risk assessment
as a general principle and presumption,
I think that statement is correct.
Turning now to specifics in the case that has been in the media
in recent days.
That risk assessment is underway.
As in all cases, the Scottish Prison Service
won't wait until an assessment is completed if we think action
is required more quickly.
Now, it would not be appropriate for me, in respect
of any prisoner, to give details of where
they are being incarcerated.
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.