Ronald Harrison, a remand prisoner within HMP Addiewell died on 10 April 2022.
Mr Harrison 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 5 December 2025.
The Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held from 27 April 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 Harrison’s death, with particular focus on the prison’s locking and unlocking policy (or lack thereof) and its implementation by prison officers on 9 April 2022.
It will also consider whether prison officers were sufficiently trained to recognise and respond to prisoners showing signs of substance intoxication.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on deaths investigations for COPFS, said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Ronald Harrison 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