Teenage killer Aaron Campbell will be under the constant watch of three prison warders when he is transferred to an adult prison. Campbell, who was only 16 when he committed the horrific rape and murder of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail in one of Scotland’s most infamous crimes, is set to be moved from Polmont Young Offenders Institution to Glenochil prison in Alloa to serve the remainder of his life sentence.
The move comes six years after the brutal killing. Fellow inmates were taken aback when Campbell was accompanied by three warders during a “preparation” visit to the adult facility. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
Prison insiders have disclosed that Campbell will require 24/7 protection due to the constant threat of assault from disgusted fellow inmates. Sources reveal that Campbell only moves around Polmont with a minimum of three prison officers for protection.
READ MORE: Man arrested over death of mother not seen for almost a year
READ MORE: ‘Happy chappy’ dad left to die of stab wound but his family still have questions
This level of security was also evident this Tuesday when Campbell was escorted to Glenochil to familiarise himself with his new “home”. An insider said: “We saw a young guy being walked around with an entourage like he was a pop star, then someone recognised him.”
“There were three prison officers with him no one recognised, so they must have travelled with him from Polmont. He was being shown around and introduced to the new surroundings he’s about to come into. You can be pretty sure not everyone gets to view their new accommodation before moving here. Nobody likes a beast, especially one who rapes and kills kids, and he can be pretty sure there will be people trying to find a way to get to him.”
Now aged 22, Campbell is deemed a high-risk prisoner following a crime that left Scotland reeling due to the sheer brutality shown by someone so young. It was when he was just 16 years old that Campbell abducted Alesha from her bed at her grandparents’ home on the Isle of Bute back in July 2018.
Entering into the unlocked house around 2am with the aim of stealing cannabis from Alesha’s father Robert, Campbell instead came upon the unsuspecting girl and took her to the site of a former hotel, where he proceeded to rape and strangle her. Following the horrific act, he denied his deeds, making up a story of how Toni McLachlan, the girlfriend of Alesha’s father, was the actual perpetrator and was trying to frame him.
With the requirement for Campbell to be transferred to an adult prison by next May as he turns 23, his pending relocation is set to be a major challenge for Glenochil’s security personnel. There is said to be mounting animosity towards Campbell among inmates, fuelled by perceptions of favouritism despite the heinous nature of his crimes.
READ MORE: Family’s 56-year search for missing grandad ends in horror as body found in farmer’s field
READ MORE: Pylon worker suffers 40% burns to his body after 33,000 volt electric shock
A jail insider said: “Word gets round the system and we’ve heard this guy was getting whatever he wanted in his cell. He was having games consoles approved that other prisoners were being denied, and while there are restrictions on games you can get in prison, he was able to order anything he wanted. That doesn’t endear you to the rest of the prison.”
After initially spending years in solitary, it’s believed attempts were made last year to integrate him with other inmates. However, this integration turned sour for Campbell when he was beaten up. Since the incident, it’s been said that he has devoted much time to working out in the gym, aiming to get stronger ahead of his transition to the adult system. For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here
A Scottish Prison Service insider stated that all inmates are managed based on the risk they present to staff, other prisoners, and the threat they themselves might face from fellow inmates. The source said: “I don’t see Campbell being left to wander around the corridors of Glenochil on his own.”
Furthermore, the source clarified that no inmate would receive special treatment regarding gaming privileges. On the matter, an SPS representative commented: “We don’t comment on individuals.”
