535 Scottish prison staff probed

MORE than 500 staff at prisons in Scotland have been investigated for breaking the rules over the last five years.

Allegations against the 535 prison employees probed since 2007 include offences such as drug trafficking, assault, security breaches, fraud and bullying.

Of those investigated just 19 were ultimately sacked, but the volume of cases has led to calls for a tighter vetting procedure for prison staff.

Scottish Tory John Lamont MSP said: “The frequency of these cases is worrying and the public will be concerned.”