Transgender prisoner charged with sexually assaulting inmate at Scottish jail

A transgender prisoner has been charged with sexually assaulting a fellow inmate at a Scottish jail.

Alexandra Stewart, previously known as Alan Baker, is alleged to have carried out the attack at the mixed-sex HMP Greenock in Inverclyde.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "A 38-year-old prisoner has been arrested and charged in connection with a sexual assault within HMP Greenock.

"A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) told Sky News it is yet to receive a report.

A Scottish Prison Service (SPS) spokesperson said: "As this matter is subject to proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The alleged incident comes amid an ongoing legal battle between For Women Scotland (FWS) and the Scottish government over the management of transgender prisoners.

FWS is challenging the SPS guidance, arguing that only those born biologically female should be held in the women's estate.

It follows the campaign group's landmark win at the UK Supreme Court last year, which ruled the definition of a "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refers to "a biological woman and biological sex".

Current SPS guidance allows for a transgender woman to be admitted into the female estate if the inmate does not meet the violence against women and girls criteria, and there is no basis "to suppose" they could pose an "unacceptable risk of harm" to those also housed there.

FWS is arguing the policy is "inconsistent" with the Supreme Court judgment.

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During three days of hearings earlier this year, lawyers acting on behalf of the Scottish government argued it is right for ministers to take a "case-by-case" approach to transgender prisoners.

Gerry Moynihan KC cited case law and article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in relation to the rights of trans people to live in their acquired gender.

Both parties are now awaiting Lady Ross' ruling on the judicial review at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

(c) Sky News 2026: Transgender prisoner charged with sexually assaulting inmate at Scottish jail