Death investigations

FAI court process begins for man who died in HMP Edinburgh

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of 68-year-old Alan Cameron. 

Alan Cameron, an inmate within HMP Edinburgh, died on 1 November 2022 after becoming ill.  

The inquiry is a mandatory inquiry under Sections 2(1)(a) and 2(4)(a) of the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016.  

A Preliminary Hearing will be held on 19 November 2024 at Edinburgh 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 Alan Cameron 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.”