Inquiry to probe drug supply in Kilmarnock prison after inmate found dead in cell

A fatal accident inquiry is to be held after a prisoner was found dead in his cell.

Brendan Reilly, 34, an inmate at HMP Bowhouse, Kilmarnock, was discovered dead on the morning of June 11, 2021.

The inquiry will focus on Scottish Prison Service guidance regarding morning checks, and will consider the issue of drugs supply within the prison and policies and procedures in place to limit it, both then and now.

The mandatory inquiry will seek to determine the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances. 

Unlike criminal proceedings, fatal accident inquiries (FAIs) are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame. 

A preliminary hearing will be held on May 15, 2024 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court. 

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, said: “The death of Brendan Reilly 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.” 