Death investigations

FAI court process begins for the death of machine operator

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of Kenneth Begg. 

Mr Begg, 50, died on 15 April 2021 after an accident in a workshop at Auchintoul Farm, Invergordon when he suffered multiple injuries after becoming entangled in a horizontal boring machine. 

A preliminary hearing is set for 8 December 2023 at Tain Sheriff Court. 

The Inquiry is scheduled to be held on 27 and 28 February 2024. 

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.       

It is anticipated that the Inquiry will consider any precautions which could reasonably have been taken and which might realistically have resulted in the death having been avoided and any defects in any system of working which contributed to the death or any accident resulting in the death. 

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:       

“The death of Kenneth Begg occurred while in the course of his employment 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.      

“Mr Begg’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”