Alexandra Stewart, formerly known as Alan Baker, was arrested and charged in connection with the assault, which allegedly took place in a hairdressing salon within the female-only area of the prison. Stewart, 38, was convicted of murder in 2013 and has been held in the women's unit since 2016. She is believed to be one of only two transgender women prisoners in Scotland's female prison estate. While incarcerated, Stewart received a 'tracheal shave' surgery, a procedure often associated with gender transition.
Police Scotland said in a statement: 'A 38-year-old prisoner has been arrested and charged in connection with a sexual assault within HMP Greenock. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.' The Crown Office has not yet received a report from police regarding the incident, according to multiple reports.
The case has reignited debate over the placement of transgender prisoners in Scotland. The Scottish Prison Service uses individual risk assessments to decide where transgender inmates are housed. However, this policy is facing legal challenges. For Women Scotland, a campaign group, is challenging the Scottish Prison Service's transgender prisoner placement guidance in court. The Supreme Court recently ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act means biological woman and 'sex' means biological sex, a decision that has implications for single-sex spaces.
Any attacks on prisoners or prison staff are completely unacceptable and incidents involving alleged criminality are reported to Police Scotland. We do not comment on individuals or live cases.
Author JK Rowling has offered to assist the victim through her legal aid 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.'
Stewart previously accused another prisoner of transphobia in a court case last year, which was dismissed. The Scottish Prison Service declined to comment, stating: 'As this matter is subject to proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further.' A Scottish Government spokesperson added: 'Any attacks on prisoners or prison staff are completely unacceptable and incidents involving alleged criminality are reported to Police Scotland. We do not comment on individuals or live cases.'
The current condition of the victim remains unknown, and it is unclear whether she will accept 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 timeline for court proceedings against Stewart has not been confirmed, and the exact number of transgender prisoners currently housed in Scotland's female prisons is not publicly known.