Inquiry to look at prison welfare checks and first aid training after inmate dies

An inquiry is to be held into the death of a man who died at a West Lothian prison in 2020.

Stewart Glancy died aged 38, while in the custody of HMP Addiewell.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry has been called to look at the prison’s welfare observations, record-keeping and information sharing between the NHS and Scottish Prison Service.

It will also examine whether the first aid training provided to staff was sufficient to allow them to respond to medical emergencies and whether a good enough system was in place to prevent the distribution of non-prescribed drugs between prisoners.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on deaths investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Stewart Glancy occurred whilst he was 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.”

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred; and to establish what steps, if any, 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 to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on deaths investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Stewart Glancy occurred whilst he was 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.”