Paul Thomas McAdam, a prisoner within HMP Addiewell died on 25 June 2020.
Mr McAdam was in legal custody and in the care of the state at the time of his death.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is obliged to investigate such deaths, and a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.
A Preliminary Hearing will be held on 25 November 2025 at Livingston Sheriff Court.
The Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held from 2 March 2026 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
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.
This Inquiry will explore the circumstances of Mr McAdam’s death, with particular focus on the prison’s welfare observations, record keeping and information sharing between NHS and SPS.
It will also consider whether the system in place at the prison was sufficient 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 Paul McAdam 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.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s guide