Alexandra Stewart, formerly known as Alan Baker, was charged after an alleged assault in a hairdressing salon within the female-only area of the prison, according to multiple reports. Police Scotland confirmed that a 38-year-old prisoner had been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
Stewart was convicted of murder in 2013 and has been held in the women's unit since 2016. She is thought to be one of two transgender women prisoners in Scotland's female prison estate, according to multiple reports. Stewart received tracheal shave surgery while in prison. The Scottish Prison Service uses individual risk assessments to decide placement of transgender prisoners.
The Scottish Government stated that any attacks on prisoners or staff are completely unacceptable and that they do not comment on individuals or live cases. The Scottish Prison Service declined to comment as the matter is subject to proceedings.
I hoped it would see prison bosses and the government 'wake up' and end their 'dangerous and stupid experiment' with allowing jails to be mixed sex.
Author J.K. Rowling offered to assist the victim with legal costs through her fund, the J.K. Rowling Women's Fund. In a social media post, Rowling said: "The Scottish government is responsible for this sexual assault. The Supreme Court has confirmed women's right to single sex spaces, a ruling the SNP continues to flout. If the victim wishes to sue, jkrwf.org can assist with all costs."
The guidance on transgender prisoners is being challenged by For Women Scotland in the Court of Session. The Supreme Court ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act means biological woman and 'sex' means biological sex. Stewart accused another prisoner of transphobia in a court case last year, which was dismissed. According to Daily Mail - Home, Susan Smith, director of For Women Scotland, said she hoped the incident would end the 'dangerous and stupid experiment' of mixed-sex prisons.
The current condition of the victim is not known, and it is unclear whether she has accepted Rowling's offer of legal assistance. The specific risk assessment that led to Stewart's placement in the women's unit has not been disclosed. The outcome of the For Women Scotland challenge to the SPS guidance remains pending.