Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jail break out foiled by staff

Thursday 19 December 1996 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Prison staff have foiled a plan by two life prisoners to chisel their way out of a cell in Perth jail, one of Scotland's toughest institutions.

Staff discovered a hole, 4ft high and 3ft wide, in a ground floor cell. Concealed by posters it penetrated deep into the wall, stopping just short of external brickwork. The Scottish Prison Service was yesterday trying to establish whether it was intended as a break-out route for a mass escape, or if it was meant to be used just by the two prisoners. Both men, one convicted of murder and the other of rape and culpable homicide, were transferred to segregation cells and faced disciplinary procedures.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in