§ Mr. O'Neillasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement detailing the nature of the disturbances which have taken place since 15 June, the number of prisoners involved in each one and how many of them were charged and for what offences, how many were injured, the number of prison officers injured and estimates of the cost of the damage at the Glenochil young offenders institution and detention centre.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe disturbances which have taken place at the Glenochil complex since 15 June have been confined to the young offenders institution. No underlying cause has emerged for what has been a series of outbreaks of vandalism which started from a fight between two inmates in a dining hall on 15 June which developed into a brief fracas involving staff, and in succeeding days escalated into concerted efforts by a number of inmates to damage their cells and other institution property. The most serious incident occurred on the night of 18–19 June when damage estimated at £16,000 was caused to 70 cells.
On 20 June a member of staff was assaulted by two inmates, and a number of the inmates who had been involved in the disturbance of 18–19 June damaged the cells into which they had been moved. Some further disturbance occurred on 21 and 22 June. At 23 June the total number of cells which had suffered damage was 76.
312WBehaviour of the kind indulged in by some of the inmates of Glenochil, which finds expression in acts of defiance against authority, is not uncommon in penal establishments, particularly those holding volatile, aggresive young offenders. By 23 June, the situation had settled and the normal regime was in operation in the institution.
The further details requested are as follows:
Incident of 15 June 1986
Thirty two inmates appeared before the governor charged with disobedience and six inmates were charged by the police, two with assault and four with breach of the peace. No inmates were injured but five officers suffered injuries, one of whom received treatment in hospital for lacerations to his head and hack. Damage is estimated at £62.
Incident of 18–19 June 1986
Fifty two inmates were charged with internal disciplinary offences ranging from assault, possession of weapons and damage to property. Six inmates received minor injuries, mainly abrasions. No staff were injured.
Incident of 20 June 1986
An assault by two inmates on a member of staff is currently under investigation by the police.
Incident of 21 June 1986
Eleven inmates were charged with damage to property. There were no injuries to inmates or staff. Six cells were damaged.