Scottish First Minister Confirms: Bryson Won’t Be Locked Up at Women’s Prison
The fiery debate over where convicted rapist Bryson will serve his sentence has taken a new turn. Nicola Sturgeon stepped into the fray during First Minister’s Questions at Holyrood, revealing a risk assessment is underway by the Scottish Prison Service.
Sturgeon Rules Out Cornton Vale
The First Minister made it clear Bryson, found guilty earlier this week, will not be housed at Cornton Vale, Scotland’s women’s prison near Stirling. “It would not be appropriate for me to give details of where any prisoner is incarcerated,” Sturgeon told Parliament. “However, given the understandable public and parliamentary concern in this case, I can confirm to Parliament that this prisoner will not be incarcerated at Cornton Vale women’s prison.”
The Crime Behind the Controversy
Bryson, born Adam Graham, was convicted at Glasgow High Court of raping two vulnerable women he met online — one attacked in 2016 in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, and another in Drumchapel, Glasgow, in 2019. Prosecutors say Bryson “preyed” on his victims, who were unaware of his identity. Despite Bryson’s claim in court that he “would never hurt another human being,” the jury found him guilty on both counts.
Gender Identity Plays Central Role
Throughout the trial, Bryson explained he identified as transgender from the age of four but only transitioned at 29. He is currently undergoing hormone therapy and is considering surgery as part of his gender reassignment journey. At the time of conviction, Bryson was reportedly held at Cornton Vale awaiting sentencing next month, but Sturgeon’s statement suggests he will be moved elsewhere for his prison term.
