PRISONERS in coronavirus lockdown will stay connected with the outside world — after being given free mobiles.

Jail bosses have ordered a batch of phones so inmates can speak to friends and family after visiting time was banned to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

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4 Lags will be given free phones to keep in touch with friends and family Credit: Alamy

Lags at 15 jails across the country will also have access to iPads so they can video call their kids and loved ones.

Sources initially told The Scottish Sun on Sunday “thousands” of mobile phones had been ordered but the figure was downplayed by the Scottish Prison Service.

The move to keep cons “entertained” is seen as being vital as tensions mount behind bars during the pandemic.

A prison source said: “We are looking at methods of communication to allow prisoners more access to their loved ones.

“There are mobile phones on order. They will be allocated according to individual prisoner need across the estate.”

The plan comes as 36 prisoners across eight different Scots jails are self-isolating with symptoms.

And it is understood tensions are running high at Saughton nick in Edinburgh after sex offender John Angus, 66, became the first Scottish prisoner to die from coronavirus on Tuesday.

4 15 prisons across the country will also have access to iPads Credit: Michael Schofield - The Sun Glasgow

Human rights campaigners have called for Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf to release inmates over fears the impossibility of social distancing is putting both them and staff at increased risk.

But the Nats minister insisted “robust” plans are in place across the prison estate — currently holding around 7,500 inmates — to deal with the pandemic, with any prisoner who displays symptoms told to self isolate.

The phone plan is part of a bid to quell unrest inside prisons and prevent a repeat of scenes in Italy where several people were killed in jail riots during the early stages of the outbreak.

But staff fear phones will be trousered when lockdown ends and used to plot attacks and drug drops.

4 Scottish Tory MSP secretary Liam Kerr said the distribution of phones must be 'carefully monitored' Credit: Corbis - Getty

4 The number of positive coronavirus cases and deathsin Scotland as of April 11

One jail insider said: “The details of how it works though are crucial. We could easily do more damage than good if we’re not careful.”

Another source said: “This is madness. Mobiles are banned for a reason. A lot of them will just disappear and have new SIM cards put in them.

“Next thing, you’ll have people running their businesses or stalking victims from behind bars.”

Backing the move, Phil Fairlie, chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association Scotland said: “We welcome the contribution it will make to the mental well-being of prisoners, and to the environment for the staff to work in during an incredibly challenging and precarious time for them all.”

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Scottish Tory MSP secretary Liam Kerr said the distribution of phones must be “carefully monitored and controlled”.

He added: “This must not lead to dangerous offenders continuing their criminal activity inside or threatening victims and witnesses.”

An SPS spokesman said: “The well-being of those living in our care is a priority and an important part of this is maintaining communication with friends and family.

“We have taken all necessary steps to limit the spread of Covid-19 within our establishments, including the difficult decision to suspend visitation.

“We are quickly working to look at ways we can use technology to support and maintain relationships at this time and will look to introduce these methods as soon as operationally possible.”

And regarding the early release of cons, he added: “Early release of prisoners is a decision for the Scottish Government.”

chris.taylor@the-sun.co.uk

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