Gangster paradise

Prison chiefs sound alarm over rise in young offenders getting involved with major gangland figures as incidents soar behind bars

- MARK MCGIVERN

PRISON bosses fear the rise in gangsterism in Scotland is "creating the serious organised criminals of tomorrow".

Experts believe YOI Polmont which houses young male prisoners - is witnessing the same alarming increase in organised crime violence that is now exploding in other jails across the country.

Tony Martin, the Scottish Prison Service's divisional head of operational delivery, said the signs are clear organised crime groups are getting their claws in youngsters, who end up in jail before they have a chance to mature.

The claims come after the Daily Record revealed that violence in prisons has erupted, with a surge in attacks and more than £3million spent for contract hits within the prison estate.

Martin, a former deputy governor at the prison, said he was saddened at what was being witnessed by officers, many of whom are dedicated and highly trained in rehabilitating youngsters who have gone astray.

He said: "I think we are seeing more and more young people associating themselves with serious organised crime groups.

"In some ways, I think it's about manipulation and I think it's playing on people's vulnerabilities, that these young people are getting involved in criminality. They are potentially the serious organised criminals of tomorrow, sadly."

Martin said he was well used to minor disputes leading to violence at Polmont, where many prisoners have suffered childhood trauma.

He said: "It could be over one guy wanting to fight over another guy's trainers.

"That's low-level violence. But more and more in my time there, we were starting to see the claw of serious organised crime coming into play.

"It's sad because Polmont has more resources put in than any other prison and services and partnership working because, if we're into the business of rehabilitation, that's the place to rehabilitate people.