Investigation into Edinburgh Prisoner’s Covid-Related Death – What to Expect
A Fatal Accident Inquiry is set to take place over the death of an Edinburgh prisoner. John Hay Angus, 66, died on April 9, 2020, in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh after being transferred from HMP Edinburgh. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice with the Sheriff Court to commence the court process for a joint Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of Francis Peter McCarthy and John Hay Angus.
Preliminary Hearing and Inquiry Details
Francis Peter McCarthy, 59, also died on April 12, 2020, in Glasgow Royal Infirmary after being transferred from HMP Low Moss. Both men tragically passed away after contracting the COVID-19 virus while in legal custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2025, with the Fatal Accident Inquiry set to be heard on August 18, 2025, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry is to determine the cause of death, the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimize the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances. Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, focusing on establishing facts rather than assigning blame. The deaths of McCarthy and Angus were thoroughly investigated by the Covid Deaths Investigation Team within COPFS.
Procurator Fiscal’s Statement
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, emphasized the necessity of the Fatal Accident Inquiry due to the similar circumstances surrounding the deaths of McCarthy and Angus. Shanks stated, “The Lord Advocate considers that the deaths of Francis Peter McCarthy and John Hay Angus occurred in similar circumstances, both deaths being attributable to the COVID-19 virus contracted whilst in legal custody and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory. The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.”
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge about the circumstances leading to the tragic deaths of these two individuals while in legal custody. Stay tuned for updates as the inquiry progresses to shed light on this somber situation.
