Richey suffering post-traumatic stress

Published on Tuesday 10 March 2009 08:40

FORMER Death Row Scot Kenny Richey has revealed he is suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

The 44-year-old said he was trying to arrange hospital treatment to help him overcome the condition so he could move on with his life.

He also said he missed being behind bars and that he wanted to be in prison again.

Richey was released from a US jail and returned to Edinburgh last year after 21 years awaiting execution.

Last week he walked free from a Scottish court after around seven months in custody awaiting trial on assault and robbery charges, which were later dropped.

He admitted a breach of the peace but was freed by the judge, who said he had suffered enough.

Richey said his experience had affected his mental health and he wanted to sort out his problems so he could focus on the future.

He said: "I've been to see a psychologist about it and he's the one that diagnosed me with severe post-traumatic stress syndrome.

"I'm trying to get checked into a hospital in Ayrshire – so hopefully I can arrange that and after that, I don't know. I'd like a job."

The 44-year-old said he felt some nostalgia for his time in prison.