Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that Isla Bryson, convicted of rape earlier this week, will not be incarcerated at Cornton Vale, Scotland’s women’s prison near Stirling. This announcement came during First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood amid a heated public and parliamentary debate over where Bryson should serve the sentence.
Sturgeon stated, “It would not be appropriate for me to give details of where any prisoner is incarcerated. However, 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.” The Scottish Prison Service is currently conducting a risk assessment to determine the appropriate placement.
Isla Bryson, born Adam Graham, was found guilty at Glasgow High Court of raping two vulnerable women he met online. The attacks occurred in 2016 in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, and in 2019 in Drumchapel, Glasgow. Prosecutors described Bryson as having “preyed” on his victims, who were unaware of his true identity. Despite Bryson’s courtroom claim that he “would never hurt another human being,” the jury convicted him on both counts.
Gender identity has been a central issue throughout the trial. Bryson stated that he identified as transgender from the age of four but only transitioned at 29. He is currently undergoing hormone therapy and is considering surgery as part of his gender reassignment process. At the time of conviction, Bryson was reportedly held at Cornton Vale awaiting sentencing next month, but Sturgeon’s recent statement indicates he will be relocated for his prison term.
Originally published by UKNIP.
