Statement following the families of Katie Allan & William Lindsay meeting with the CEO of the Scottish Prison Service Theresa Medhurst and Deputy CEO Linda Pollock
Aamer Anwar - Solicitor on behalf the families: -
“Today we met with the heads of the Scottish Prison Service. At the start of the meeting, I said to the CEO of the Scottish Prisons Service that their apologies were too little and too late. Since 1995, 48 prisoners under the age of 21 have died at Polmont - 90% of those 48 died by suicide, and all but one was from hanging. Where are the apologies for all those families who for decades were lied to and were told the suicides were inevitable? Let me be clear there is nothing inevitable about suicide.
For seven years Katie and William’s families have been demonized. They never wanted to be campaigners. Today there was no sense of vindication, just sadness, because nothing will bring back William and Katie, but it was about ensuring young people are not treated in the same way again.
The meeting was robust and painful but it was also positive and welcomed by the families. I hope no other family has to set up campaigns and drag the SPS through the courts to get to the truth. The families are grateful to the CEO and her prison services’ response to the FAI, however they want immediate action and accountability. Mrs Medhurst said that what the families said hit home and she is determined to deliver change.
It is important to note Theresa Medhurst the CEO of Scottish Prisons Service agreed that Crown Immunity from prosecution should be abolished – that of course is now a matter for the UK Government to deliver on.”
