CONCERN AS BOY, 15, IS REMANDED IN ADULT JAIL

CHILD welfare campaigners yesterday condemned a court's decision to lock up
a 15-year-old boy in an adult prison housing dangerous criminals.

The teenager, who appeared in court last week on drugs charges, was said to
be "frightened and isolated" in Kilmarnock Prison's hospital wing.

Police had certified the boy as "unruly" and he was remanded to the jail
after bail was denied at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last Monday.

Officials, who had admitted the case was highly unusual, said he had to go
to prison because no other accommodation could be found.

However, the boy's solicitor, Neil McPherson said the case could have
implications under European human rights legislation. He added: "I am
extremely concerned about this boy's welfare, given that he is only 15.
Keeping him in a hospital wing would not necessarily protect him from
dangerous patients being treated there.

"If he is not to get bail he should be remanded to a secure unit and
certainly not detained any longer than is necessary in an adult prison.
Having visited him and seen the effect it's having on him, it's apparent
that it should never happen again."

Mr McPherson added: "I will be bringing this to the attention of the
relevant authorities to ensure that this will not be happening in the future."

Joe Connolly, the deputy director of NCH Action for Children in Scotland,
which campaigns for alternatives to custody for young people, condemned the
decision. He said: "It is unacceptable for a 15-year-old to be sent to an
adult prison except in the most serious circumstances."

John McMenemy, the senior depute with the procurator-fiscal service in
Kilmarnock, said that, in the past, juveniles had been remanded to
Longriggend but the Ayrshire courts were no longer sending them there.

A secure facility existed at Bishopbriggs, but no place was available for
the boy, who was accused of possessing and being concerned in the supply of
heroin.

"I don't believe young people are allowed to associate with adults at
Kilmarnock Prison," Mr McMenemy said.

He added: "The interests of the child and the protection of the public have
to be taken into account."

John Bywalec, the director of Kilmarnock Prison, said: "It is never ideal
to have a young person in an adult prison, but we will take care of them
while they are with us until a more appropriate place can be found."