Michael Taylor, an inmate within HMP Glenochil, near Alloa, was moved to a hospice in Denny due to a deterioration in his health and died on 23 August 2021.
Mr Taylor was in legal custody and in the care of the state at the time of his death. That means that his death had to be investigated by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.
A Preliminary Hearing will be held on 11 December 2024.
The Fatal Accident Inquiry will be heard on 23 January 2025 at Dundee Sheriff Court.
The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Michael Taylor occurred while 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.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries see the Crown’s guide.