STRICT lockdown measures at HMP Glenochil have led to a reduction in violence amongst inmates, according to a report.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland also found that no prisoners at the Clackmannanshire-based jail have contracted Covid-19 – and only two members of staff have been affected by the virus.

The details were included in an inspection report published this month, which covers the period between April and June 2020.

Earlier this year, prisons across Scotland were required to introduce measures such as the suspension of all physical visits to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.

Whilst visits have now resumed – albeit in a limited way – other measures such as social distancing remain in place.

And the findings of inspectors at HMP Glenochil were that inmates "reported satisfaction with the new regime".

The report said: "All prisoners had access to daily exercise, time in the fresh air, and showers.

"Hall sections were open all day, with prisoners remaining in their own section. This was welcomed.

"Prisoners reported feeling safer undertaking all activities in smaller groups.

"Incidents of violence had fallen since lockdown measures were put in place.

"It is thought that due to prisoners feeling safer there had been increased uptake of exercise."

As was widely reported back in April, those in custody were provided with mobile phones to allow them to maintain contact with their family during the pandemic.

Inspectors noted that at the Wee County prison, "where misuse of these phones was detected, they were removed from the prisoner for two weeks".

One of the only negative aspects of the report was that staff and prisoners "did not always observe physical distancing".

But, the report added: "The importance of this was continually reminded"

To read HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland's full report on HMP Glenochil, visit tinyurl.com/yyabfubq.

HMP Glenochil manages both short-term and long-term male offenders, including those with life and extended sentences.

It is also one of Scotland's major sites for managing sex offenders.