Death investigations

FAI court process begins for man who died in custody

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of 30-year-old Gregg Anderson.

Mr Anderson died on 26 December 2021 at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Mr Anderson had been an inmate within HMP Glenochil when he was admitted to the hospital on 29 September 2021 for a bone marrow transplant. 

The inquiry is a mandatory inquiry under Section 2(4)(a) of the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016. 

A Preliminary Hearing will be held on 5 January 2024 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 fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: 

“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Gregg Anderson occurred while 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.”