An Edinburgh prisoner who watched Allan Marshall being dragged to his death has vowed to help the new police investigation.
The inmate, who saw the violent incident from the hatch at his cell door at HMP Edinburgh, said he’ll give evidence at any new trial.
The 44-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is currently awaiting trial at HMP Grampian in Peterhead and welcomes the new investigation.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “It was a disgrace what happened to Allan and the fact it was swept under the carpet at the time.
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“I am pleased they are finally taking what I saw seriously and the boy’s family are going to see some justice after all this time. I am happy to speak with the police and give evidence at any future trial.”
Earlier this month, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain ordered police to begin a “corporate homicide” investigation into the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) over remand prisoner Allan’s death in hospital on March 28, 2015.
His case provoked widespread fury after CCTV footage from March 24 that year showed the 30-year-old being dragged naked down a corridor with a towel over his face, having suffered multiple injuries.
Dramatic evidence from prison officers at the 2018 Fatal Accident Inquiry was branded “dishonest”, while testimony from three prisoners was accepted by the sheriff.
Last week, the Record revealed the names of six prison officers at the centre of the incident as David McAdam, John Nicol, Brian Fraser, Steven Banks, Charles Kivlin and Kevin O’Hara.
They were among 13 given lifelong immunity from prosecution in 2018 in return for testifying at the FAI. However, they could be called to give evidence at any future trial involving the SPS.
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The inmate, who has convictions for fraud and dishonesty, would be willing to give evidence in any civil action Allan’s family might take against the SPS.
The new probe follows a meeting between the Lord Advocate and Allan’s family last March, when they expressed concerns over the investigation.
Allan was remanded to Saughton on March 2, 2015, after appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court on a breach of the peace charge. The SPS has said it will cooperate with the investigation.
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