TRANS KILLER: FEMALE PRISON IS RIGHT FOR ME

Eastwood wants to stay after being locked up alongside women for six years

- MARCELLO MEGA

A TRANSGENDER prisoner who has been locked up with women for six years says she fears for her safety if she is moved to a men's prison.

Sophie Eastwood - who is serving life for murdering a male cellmate in prison in 2004 when she was still known as Daniel has been held among female prisoners in Cornton Vale since 2017 and believes she would be a target for sexual violence if she returns to the male estate.

The Scottish Prison Service announced a full case review for every transgender person currently in custody in the wake of a public outcry following the case of Isla Bryson, a transgender double rapist who was initially sent to a female jail.

Eastwood, 38, said: "I was threatened by other prisoners in the male estate when I started to transition and the main threat was that I would suffer serious sexual violence.

"It was a relief to be moved to the female estate where I have felt safe and I've gained the trust of fellow prisoners.

"I think Scottish Prison Service staff manage trans prisoners well but it would be impossible for me to feel safe in a male prison.

Eastwood added: "I have no history of gender violence. But the recent outcry has led to the SPS having to review every transgender person in custody. I believe I'm in the right place and don't think I could survive in the male estate.