Cis woman sent to men’s prison because of her ‘masculine traits’

A woman was sent to a men’s prison after authorities mistook her facial features for those of a man.

A prisoner assigned female at birth was mistakenly admitted by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). The Independent reports this.

The woman was sent to HMP Perth Men’s Prison where she remained in solitary confinement overnight after the error was discovered. The next day she was transferred to HMP Cornton Vale women’s prison.

Police Scotland said it was investigating the incident, adding that she was taken into custody with “incomplete information about her gender”. The spokesman added: “We are reviewing our detention procedures to ensure this does not happen again.”

A source told The Telegraph, which broke the story: “The assumption was made based on someone’s appearance and nothing more. Gender in the prison system has become such a hot topic that management will be upset about it. It’s a shame for everyone involved.”

Last December, SPS changed his policy prevent abused trans women from being held in women’s prisons except in “exceptional circumstances”.

The guidance comes following a backlash over the sentencing of trans woman Isla Bryson, who was jailed for eight years in February 2023 after being found guilty of raping two women while still a man.

ATP said that as of January 2023 there are only 23 transgender prisoners in Scotland, 19 of whom are trans women. The spokesman said that while the Prison Service does not comment on “individuals”, the rights and welfare of all prisoners is a key priority.

“We have procedures in place to ensure the safety of all new arrivals, including isolating them from the general population if necessary,” they added.