HAMMERED IN THE SLAMMER

Prisoners complain of depression and 23 hours a day in cell in shock survey

- NORMAN SILVESTER

MORE than a quarter of Scottish prisoners have admitted their drug use rose behind bars, a shocking study has revealed.

The survey of inmates found about 35 per cent had used illegal drugs while 26 per cent said their drug use has increased or even started in jail.

The shocking figures come after it was revealed deaths in Scottish prisons are among the highest in Europe after rising 60 per cent in the past year.

The survey was carried out by the Scottish Prison Service on male and female inmates across 17 jails last year.

And the report acknowledged the true levels of drug taking is likely to be much higher.

Scottish Tory shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP said: "The explosion of substances inside our jails only fuels further violence among inmates leaving them and hardworking officers at risk every day.