Prisoners to be given Nintendo DS for “brain training”

By Rory Reynolds

PRISONERS in Scotland are to be given Nintendo DS consoles to improve their reading and maths skills.

A report by the Scottish government concluded that it would be “motivational” for cons to play “brain training” games.

The Scottish Prison Service could fork out up to £149 per console and £20 per game for the trial scheme, which could see the practice rolled out across Scotland.

However critics have branded the scheme a “gimmick”, adding that many families can’t afford a games console for their own kids.

The study, Learning in Custody: Report of the Offender Learning in Custody Workstream, suggested the success of primary school pupils catching up with brain training games could be replicated in prison.

Pampered Scottish prisoners claiming for luxury items

By Oliver Farrimond

PAMPERED prisoners at high-security Saughton jail in Edinburgh are claiming hundreds of pounds in compensation for goods going missing behind bars – at the expense of the taxpayer.

Designer jeans, Playstation 2 controllers and a £150 suit were among the items claimed for by inmates after going missing during prison transfers.

In total, 210 claims have been made in the last two years, costing the public purse almost £1,600.

Other items claimed for include a mobile phone, tracksuit bottoms, jewellery, watches and cash.

A spokesperson for Saughton Prison confirmed the revelations, but stressed that all compensations had been made according to “stringent” guidelines.