Transgender killer Sophie Eastwood moved to male jail is ‘chained to guard all day’

Transgender killer Sophie Eastwood has been relocated to a male prison facility and is reportedly being closely guarded by security personnel throughout the day in a Lanarkshire hospital ward. Sophie Eastwood, 39, was transferred from a female prison after spending six years with female inmates, following new regulations implemented after the Isla Bryson case. Eastwood, who strangled her cellmate Paul Algie in 2004, is currently housed in a single suite at the hospital due to a bowel condition, where she has expressed her distress over the treatment she is receiving.

Eastwood, previously known as Daniel, began transitioning to live as a woman in 2017 while serving a life sentence. The shift from Cornton Vale women’s prison to Shotts prison came after the controversy surrounding Bryson, previously known as Adam Graham, who committed violent crimes and initially faced placement in a women’s prison. Eastwood has shared her dissatisfaction with the current situation, mentioning being physically restrained to a guard all day and being denied privacy in using the toilet, along with undergoing repeated searches.

Following the fallout from the Isla Bryson incident, the Scottish Prison Service introduced new measures stating that violent transgender inmates would not automatically be assigned to a facility corresponding with their gender identity. The security arrangements for Eastwood in the hospital have been closely monitored and assessed based on individual risk evaluations by GEOAmey, the security services provider, to ensure appropriate management and support.

An official spokesperson for GEOAmey highlighted the stringent security protocols in place but declined to comment specifically on Eastwood’s circumstances. The Scottish Prison Service’s representative emphasised the collaborative efforts with GEOAmey to address any potential risks or vulnerabilities affecting individuals requiring security escort. Eastwood’s ordeal sheds light on the complex challenges faced by transgender prisoners within the penal system.

In this evolving landscape of prison regulations for transgender inmates, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals remains a priority for institutions and security providers alike. The case of Sophie Eastwood underscores the importance of implementing inclusive and supportive measures for transgender individuals within the justice system, while also highlighting the need for continuous evaluation and refinement of these policies in response to emerging complexities and concerns.