A BOSS at Scotland’s biggest prison is being investigated over claims they splashed out on an air fryer for an inmate.
Stunned rank-and-file officers complained to Barlinnie top brass about the pricey gift, according to insiders.
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A top boss at Barlinnie is under investigationCredit: Alamy
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It is claimed that they bought an air fryer for an inmateCredit: Vortx
A source revealed staff had been left baffled at how the kitchen gadget had made it past guards at the notorious Glasgow jail, which houses some of the country’s worst criminals.
They now believe it was approved and paid for out of a manager’s own pocket — sparking accusations of “special treatment”.
An insider said: “Nobody could work out how the long-term con came to have a top-end air fryer.
“Then it turned out a jail boss had forked out for it, which is just astonishing.
“If it was a basic grade officer they’d have been sacked on the spot.
“Everyone was shocked and it seemed nothing was going to be done until staff kicked up a stink.
Nobody could work out how the long-term con came to have a top-end air fryer. Then it turned out a jail boss had forked out for it, which is just astonishing
A source
“These fryers aren’t cheap and you’ve got to wonder what the public will make of a prisoner getting this kind of special treatment from a jail boss.”
It is unclear if the popular appliance was kept in the lag’s cell or in a communal spot where it could be used by other cons.
Last night Tory MSP Annie Wells backed outraged officers.
She said: “Scots will be gobsmacked that a Barlinnie manager thought it was appropriate to buy an inmate an air fryer.
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“As well as a potential fire risk, it blurs what should be a clear boundary between staff and prisoners.”
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a probe was “ongoing”.
A spokeswoman said: “This matter is subject to an investigation.
You’ve got to wonder what the public will make of a prisoner getting this kind of special treatment from a jail boss
A source
“It would therefore be inappropriate to comment further.”
Barlinnie, which opened in 1882, will be replaced by HMP Glasgow.
It should have been built by 2019 for £100millon but has been delayed until 2028, with the bill rocketing to £1billion.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Governor Michael Stoney wants it to be a community hub like a “Costa coffee” branch.
Cons will be able to enjoy luxuries like en-suite cells.
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It is unclear if the appliance was kept in the lag’s cell or in a communal spotCredit: Alamy