Inquiry to look at illegal drugs in Scots prison after inmate died of overdose

A Fatal Accident Inquiry has been called into the death of Stuart Govans who was an inmate in HMP Edinburgh.

Inquiry to look at illegal drugs in HMP Edinburgh after inmate died of overdose — A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held into the prisoners death. Google Maps

22nd Oct 2024

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City of Edinburgh

An inquiry has been ordered into the death of a prisoner at a prison in Edinburgh.

Stuart Govan died from a fatal drug overdose while an inmate at HMP Edinburgh on July 25, 2021.

The 59-year-old’s death will be investigated by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as he was in legal custody at the time of his death.

The inquiry will focus on the availability of illegal drugs inside the prison and the actions and response to the emergency.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry focuses on the cause of death and circumstances in which the deaths occurred and to establish, if any, what precautions could have been taken.

It also looks to address what could be implemented in the future to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

A preliminary hearing will be held on November 25 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

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 Stuart Govan 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.”