EXCLUSIVE: Prisoner speaks from inside HMP Kilmarnock as he backs calls for more support
It's after a former inmate described how he feared for his life inside.
Last updated 10th May 2019
A man, currently serving a short-term sentence inside HMP Kilmarnock has spoken exclusively to West FM News to back calls for better support at the privately run jail.
It's after we spoke to a former inmate and first offender who claimed he didn't think he'd make it out alive. He raised concerns about safety, staffing issues, a lack of rehabilitation and called for a "First Offenders Centre" which is available in some Government owned prisons.
It's something the current inmate agrees with. He said, "When I first arrived, it was scary. You don't know who you're getting put in to a cell with and not knowing makes you worry for your own safety.
"There is no rehabilitation in here whatsoever. I haven't done one course that will help me rehabilitate myself. You have to be in here for a long time and for a serious crime like murder or rape to get offered any kind of support.
"I want them to listen to our problems. Help us get ready for our release so we stand a chance. Not just throw us away and treat us the way they do. We aren't treated like humans we need more support and this will help stop re offending.
Sacro is a charity which supports prisoners and prepares them for life on the outside. Service manager, Shirley Findlay, says, "Yes it can be scary. But people have to fear what prison is about. It is a last chance saloon and not often are first offenders even put in prison. It's a last resort.
"It's not a walk in the park. It is hard, people are expected to work and be productive and part of the system.
"You do become a prison number. But it is about your attitude and what you're going to do with prison. It is very structured and institutionalised but it's all about safety."
Michael Guy, Serco’s Prison Director at HMP Kilmarnock said: “The manning levels and numbers of prisoners in the prison are both operating within the required levels and we are confident about the safety of everyone at the prison, which is always our first priority.”