Darren Brownlie died on 6 January 2020 within HMP Low Moss from injuries he received after being assaulted by three prisoners.
Mr Brownlie 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 November 2025 at Glasgow 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.
This FAI follows the prosecution of three men in July 2020, for culpable homicide in relation to the death of Darren Brownlie.
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 Brownlie’s death, with particular focus on the adequacy of the medical care provided to him post assault, the provision of nursing staff within the prison and the training of nursing staff.
It will also consider the processes and procedures in place surrounding the summoning of an emergency ambulance to the prison and any associated delays.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on deaths investigations for COPFS, said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Darren Brownlie 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