Reece Sweeney died on 20 June 2023 within HMP Shotts.
Mr Sweeney 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 10 April 2026 at Hamilton 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 Reece Sweeney 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.