Both Alexander Drysdale, 65, and George Greenshields, 68, died in hospital after contracting the COVID-19 virus while in legal custody within HMP Perth.
A preliminary hearing will be held on 6 March 2025 at Dundee Sheriff Court.
The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken 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 apportion blame.
The deaths were investigated by the Covid Deaths Investigation Team within COPFS.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the deaths of Alexander Drysdale and George Greenshields 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.”
Further information
Alexander Drysdale died on 13 May 2020 and George Greenshields died on 12 May 2020. Both died in Ninewells Hospital.
The inquiry is a mandatory inquiry under under Section 2(1) and Section 2(4)(a) of the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016.
Covid Deaths Investigation Team (CDIT)
CDIT work with agencies including the Health and Safety Executive, Local Authorities, the Care Inspectorate, NHS boards and the police to ensure that all necessary and appropriate enquiries are made in relation to the Covid-19 or presumed Covid-19 deaths reported to the team.
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries see the Crown’s guide.