Prisoner freed on ‘compassionate depart’ with mind tumour nonetheless alive – 10 years on
A lag locked up in HMP Shotts was released in 2016 on ‘compassionate leave’ after they were diagnosed with a brain tumour. The former inmate is still alive today a decade later
The prisoner was released from HMP Shotts in 2016(Image: DAILY RECORD)
A prisoner who was released early on “compassionate leave” following a brain tumour diagnosis is still alive, it has emerged. Since 2016, a total of 22 prisoners have been released from Scottish jails on compassionate grounds.
Documents released to the 1919 magazine show 18 have died but the remaining four have no date of death recorded. The Scottish Prison services refused to name the individuals which has led some to believe they are still alive and need their personal information rights adhered to.
The Scottish Government data showed one inmate was granted release from HMP Shotts in 2016 due to a brain tumour diagnosis. A prisoner was released in 2020 from HMP Edinburgh following a lung cancer diagnosis and another was released a year later from HMP Shotts after a terminal lung cancer diagnosis.
Ministers have the power to release prisoners on licence on compassionate grounds for a number of reasons including terminal illness and severe incapacitation. Inmates can also be released if their safety has been seriously compromised or if their life expectancy is shortened by being inside.
It comes as prisoner Rose West reportedly groomed a “vulnerable” young inmate before sexually assaulting her in her prison cell. Guards rushed to the scene and the serial killer, 74, was hauled before a governor.
She has been disciplined by jail bosses and stripped of her privileges after the incident, which shocked hardened lags at New Hall women’s prison, near Wakefield, West Yorks. The sicko was jailed for life in 1995 for the murder of ten women and girls with her husband Fred. And she is said to still be “extremely dangerous” by prison insiders despite “looking like a frail pensioner”.
A source said she befriended her victim, said to be in her 20s, and “basically groomed her” before carrying out the sickening attack.
The insider told The Sun: “She befriended a young girl, in her 20s, and basically groomed her before the attack. Her victim is vulnerable and West took advantage of her before trying to force herself on her.
“The whole prison is talking about it and inmates are shocked, despite what they might have done themselves. It is pretty disgusting she had the freedom to do something like this in the first place.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
