Death investigations

FAI court process begins following the death of a machine operator

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of George Alan Boyle. 

The 61-year-old Baillieston man died from injuries sustained at a workshop next to his workplace at Walkerweld Engineering Limited, Cambuslang when he was struck and trapped under a fallen metal fixture on 21 October 2020.  

A preliminary hearing is set for 17 October 2025 at Glasgow Sheriff Court   

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths 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, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.      

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:              

“The death of George Alan Boyle occurred while in the course of his employment 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.           

 “Mr Boyle’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”    

Further information

For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s guide.