Isla Bryson: Transgender double rapist complains of ‘transphobic abuse’ in prison

Transgender double rapist Isla Bryson has complained that jail is “full of transphobic people” after a man was charged in response to an alleged hate crime.

Bryson was jailed for eight years in February for raping two women.

The attacks were carried out in 2016 and 2019 when Bryson, who was born Adam Graham, was living as a man.

In a letter sent from HMP Edinburgh to the Sunday Mail, Bryson said: “I’m not doing too good because of abuse from the staff members, all because I am transgender, and other prisoners too.

“This jail is full of transphobic people. The police are involved because of the abuse to do with my gender. People won’t stop being transphobic.”

Police Scotland confirmed a 24-year-old man had been charged in connection with alleged threatening and abusive behaviour.

A force spokesperson said: “Around 11am on Thursday 8 June 2023, we received a report of a hate crime at HMP Edinburgh.

“A 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with threatening and abusive behaviour. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said it does not comment on individuals.

A spokesperson added: “Any allegations of criminal behaviour are reported to Police Scotland for independent investigation.

“We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our staff. We have procedures in place to investigate allegations made against our staff, and take action if required.”

The SPS’s decision to initially house Bryson in segregation at Cornton Vale, Scotland’s only all-female jail, sparked a backlash from the public and politicians.

Bryson was moved to the male estate within days and an urgent case review was ordered by then justice secretary Keith Brown.

The review – which has not been fully shared by the SPS due to data protection reasons – concluded that women were not at risk from harm as a consequence of the management of Bryson.

It was also stated that Bryson did not come into contact with any other inmates during their time at Cornton Vale near Stirling.

SPS chief executive Teresa Medhurst was also question at a Criminal Justice Committee meeting over the controversial case.

Read more:
Transgender rapist Isla Bryson jailed for eight years
Women ‘not at risk of harm’ in female-only jail
Scottish Prison Service boss questioned over case

Until the wider SPS Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment (GIGR) Policy Review is complete, any transgender person in custody who has a history of violence against women – including sexual offences – will not be relocated from the male to female estate.

Additionally, newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoners will initially be placed in an establishment that aligns with their gender at birth.

Following Bryson’s conviction, one victim said she was sure the accused was “faking it” and had chosen to change gender as “an easy way out” after the rapes.

Bryson’s estranged wife also reportedly stated it was a “sham for attention”.

During the trial, Bryson spoke of identifying as female at the age of four but said they did not make the decision to transition until the age of 29.

The court heard that Bryson still intended to proceed with gender reassignment and that the health service would accommodate the situation. However, Bryson faces years on a waiting list for the surgery.

In the letter to the Sunday Mail, Bryson, of Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, promised the newspaper “the story of a lifetime” and requested £1,000 for an interview.