Death investigations

FAI court process begins for Perth prisoner death

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 Michael Burza.

The 37-year-old, a prisoner within HMP Perth, was found dead in his cell on the morning of 4 August 2022.

Mr Burza  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 4 June 2026 at Perth 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.

Lorraine Almond of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s death investigation authority, said:

“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Michael Burza 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.