Outrage as prisoners get free weddings

Scores of killers and violent attackers have tied the knot behind bars without spending a penny, a Sunday Post probe can reveal.

Prison bosses have come under fire for arranging 27 jail-block weddings over the past decade. And outrage has met the fact most are paid for with funds from the in-house prison kitty.

Everything prisoners need for their big day including a buffet for up to six guests is paid for.

Among those to have tied the knot behind bars is murderer Stuart McKelvie, from Edinburgh, who launched a savage attack on former friend Ian Taylor in 2008. He set his victim on fire and cut off his ear as a memento.

Drink driver Alistair Ferrier, from Arbroath, married Joanne Dye at Perth Prison in April 2011 less than six months after he was sentenced for a head-on smash which killed two pensioners and injured a third.

Last night critics hit out at the revelations, claiming they are an insult to victims.

Bob Lewis, 84, of taxpayer campaign group Is It Fair? said: “I can’t believe they are doing this. They are in prison to serve a sentence because they’ve done something wrong, not to be rewarded like this.”

The revelations, uncovered by a Freedom of Information request, found Perth Prison has hosted the most weddings, with 12 over the last decade.

The inmates, including a murderer and a housebreaker, enjoyed a free service, a free buffet for the couple and up to six guests, paid for from a Common Good Fund made up of donations and profits from the canteen, as well as free use of artificial flowers.

Shotts Prison in Lanarkshire has also held 11 ceremonies, while Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow held four ceremonies.

Scottish Conservative Justice Spokeswoman, Margaret Mitchell, defended the practice, saying: “It’s important these marriages are not being used for sinister motives, but there is no evidence to suggest this is the case.

“Marriage could be of great benefit to prisoners, meaning they have a chance to build a relationship that could contribute to their rehabilitation.”

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: “A small number of prisoners are granted permission to marry by the Governor. SPS recognise the benefit in strengthening family support for prisoners, in terms of preparation for release and reducing re-offending.”