Woman dies while in custody at HM Prison Cornton Vale sparking probe

Elizabeth Holmes, remanded at Paisley Sheriff Court, died on Sunday.

Gianni Marini

19th Aug 2022

A prisoner has died while in custody at Scotland’s national facility for female offenders.

Elizabeth Holmes a prisoner at HMP YOI Cornton Vale in Stirling died on Sunday, August 14.

Police were called to a report of a “sudden death” at around 3am and the 27-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers said her death is not being treated as suspicious but enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

Ms Holmes was remanded at Paisley Sheriff Court in 2022.

The Scottish Prison Service said the death had been reported to the Procurator Fiscal and a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in “due course”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3am on Sunday, August 14, officers were called to HMP Cornton Vale, Stirling, following reports of a sudden death

“A 27-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Her death is not being treated as suspicious, and enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

A Scottish Prison Service (SPS) spokesperson said: “Elizabeth Holmes, 27, a prisoner from HMP YOI Cornton Vale has died on August 14, 2022.

“She was remanded at Paisley Sheriff Court in 2022. Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held in due course.”