Thieves ransack Richey's flat while former Death Row Scot is in prison

FORMER Death Row inmate Kenny Richey has had his flat raided by thieves who broke in while he sat in prison awaiting trial for an alleged assault.

The 44-year-old claimed his home in Polwarth was ransacked after police who broke down the door to search his flat failed to secure it properly.

The ex-Marine is worried that personal mementoes were stolen by the thieves, who struck while he was being held in Saughton Prison.

Richey, who was yesterday told he will stay in jail until his trial, only found out about the break-in when a friend visited him to reveal the news.

Friends say that he has also formed a number of new friendships among his fellow inmates and has even composed love poetry for their girlfriends as a favour.

A source close to Richey said: "Kenny's very upset because he's stuck in jail and can't do anything about it. It appears the cops didn't secure the front door properly after searching the flat, which has made it easy for thieves to gain access.

"Kenny doesn't yet know what damage has been done or what has been taken, but it's distressing for him as all of his personal belongings – some of which hold great sentimental value – were in his flat.

"Apparently they completely ransacked the place. It's a shame."

Richey was charged with assault to severe injury following an alleged attack on a 63-year-old man on July 17.

At a hearing behind closed doors at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, judge Lord Kinclaven backed a sheriff's earlier ruling not to grant Richey bail.

He is currently being held in Glenesk wing in Saughton with other remand prisoners.

The source added: "Kenny actually seems quite at home. All the other prisoners recognised him straight away and have been going up to him to shake his hand. They seem to be looking up to Kenny and I think he quite likes that.

"He said he's been writing poetry for some of the younger lads' girlfriends – love poems and stuff – he says the girls go nuts for them. He seems slightly more at ease in jail, probably because it's the kind of environment he's used to.

"He says he feels fitter and that he's been going to recreation and mixing well with the other prisoners. He says it's like a holiday camp compared to Death Row."

Richey spent over two decades in a US jail awaiting execution for the murder of two-year-old Cynthia Collins during an arson attack in Ohio, America.

He was finally released in January after 21 years on Death Row in Ohio, after agreeing to a plea bargain which meant he pleaded "no contest" to charges of attempted involuntary manslaughter.

Since then, he has struggled to come to terms with life outside prison, spending days boozing, gambling and smoking.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that a break-in took place on October 13.

A spokeswoman said: "Police were called to an address in Dundee Terrace following an alleged break-in. Inquiries are ongoing."