Death investigations

FAI court process begins for Shotts prison 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 of Robert Dickie.

The 55-year-old, a prisoner within HMP Shotts, died at Wishaw University Hospital on 27 May 2023.    

Mr Dickie 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 17 November 2026 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and establishing what steps, if any, could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, Fatal Accident Inquiries are inquisitorial in nature and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s independent deaths investigation authority, said:

“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Robert Dickie occurred whilst he was in legal custody and, as such, a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables Fatal Accident Inquiry proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.”

Further information   

For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries, see the Crown’s guide.