TikTokTikTok videos of a convicted killer dancing and other inmates who appeared to be under the influence of drugs behind bars in a Scottish prison have been taken down.
The social media account named HMP.Ghost0 appeared to show those serving time in HMP Addiewell, in West Lothian.
A ten-second clip, tagged with #whosaysjailwizhard, shows Ben McCulloch partying with other inmates.
He was jailed for nine and a half years after he stabbed his friend Stephen Quigley in the head and dumped him outside a hospital in 2021.
McCulloch pled guilty to culpable homicide.
A second video on the account sees inmates zoom the camera in on lines of a white powdery substance laid on a table as they watch an Old Firm match.
TikTokAnother 30-second clip shows a prisoner who appears to be under the influence of drugs as others around him laugh.
Sodexo, which operates the Scottish prison, confirmed that it was aware of the videos circulating and said that the footage is from “several months ago”.
A spokesperson said: “The use and conveyance of illicit items, including mobile phones and drugs, is illegal in any prison.
“We constantly review our practices and deploy a range of tactics to prevent such items from being introduced. We take these matters extremely seriously – any individual found in possession of illicit items is immediately reported to the relevant authorities, with appropriate action taken.”
A second account, which claims to be from within Glasgow’s infamous HMP Barlinnie, remains active on TikTok. The latest video was posted just six days ago and shows an individual holding a small phone.
Other clips show prisoners dancing inside their shared cell.
TikTokThe Scottish Prison Service said that the incident occurred around 18 months ago and that appropriate action was taken.
A spokesperson said: “The health and wellbeing of those in our care is a key priority. Our staff work hard to keep prisons safe and secure, using all available technology and intelligence to prevent illicit substances and items entering our establishments.
“We continue to work with Police Scotland, and other partners, to take action against those who attempt to breach our security.”
A TikTok spokesperson said that any accounts that violate the community guidelines, including the promotion of criminal activities, are removed.
The social media platform relies on prison staff and law enforcement to notify them of accounts created from behind bars.
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