The deaths of two young people at a young offenders' prison are to be investigated at a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI).
William Brown, also known as William Lindsay, was just 16 when he took his own life in a custody cell at Polmont Young Offenders' Institution just days after being sent there on remand from Glasgow Sheriff Court.
His family has continued to demanded answers as to why was able to take his own life in October 2018 after being flagged as a suicide risk.
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Mum Christine Lindsay and brother John Reilly campaigned relentlessly, and now Solicitor General Ruth Charteris hopes a joint inquiry with Giffnock 21-year-old Katie Allan, who also killed herself at the jail after being convicted in March 2018 of a drink driving offence that injured a teenage boy.
In a statement issued today, the KC said: "I acknowledge the deep anguish that the deaths of Katie and William have brought to their families. I met with Katie’s mother and father and William’s mother and brother and having listened to them talk about their experiences I fully appreciate that the wait for these proceedings has been too long and distressing for them.
“My hope is that this Inquiry provides them with the answers that they are looking for and helps to prevent similar deaths in the future."
The statement goes on to say the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has introduced a number of reforms designed to reduce the time it takes to investigate deaths, improve the quality of such investigations, and improve communication with bereaved families. As part of these reforms, a specialist custody deaths investigation team has been set up to focus on cases such as those of Katie and William.”
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are used to establish facts and not apportion blame, however, recommendations can be made by the presiding sheriff to try and minimise the risk of deaths occurring in similar circumstances.
This Inquiry will explore the circumstances of both deaths, with a particular focus on the Scottish Prison Service ‘Talk To Me’ strategy in relation to the prevention of suicide in prison.
Proceedings will take place at Falkirk Sheriff Court and the preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 11.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks added: "The Procurator Fiscal Service has thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Katie Allan and William Lindsay.
“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to begin under the direction of the Sheriff.
“An FAI will allow a full public airing of all the available evidence and allow the families and other interested parties to be represented. The evidence will be tested in a public setting and will be the subject of judicial determination.
“The families and their legal representatives will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
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