If there's no prisons problem, what d'you call this minister?

Constance ridiculed for claiming there are no 'systemic concerns

- BY MARK McGIVERN

SCOTLAND'S justice minister has been slammed for telling families outraged by prison drugs parties there is no major concern.

After the Record detailed instances of men inside HMP Addiewell, West Lothian, posting videos on TikTok boasting of “easy time” and “24-hour parties”, Angela Constance was asked for assurances action would be taken.

But Constance claimed recent inspections had raised no “systemic concerns” - despite the family of slain Stephen Quigley telling how they are living a life sentence while his killer, Ben McCulloch, is orchestrating shock videos from his prison cell.

Stephen's sister Catrina said: “If Angela Constance is saying an inspection gave Addiewell a bill of health, it would seem pretty clear a lot has changed since that inspection.

“From the videos and Instagram posts we've been forced to endure, I'd say there are very obvious systemic concerns, as these videos are being put out again and again by a man who has shown no remorse for killing my brother.”

Catrina added: “I would suggest Addiewell is overdue another proper visit and I would also think it would make sense to do so without arranging a date, which would allow them to get their house in order for an inspection.