FAI Determination published following Biggar mum’s death

Joanne Gallacher, 33, was attacked and killed by James Kennedy with a knife at his Biggar home on 21 December 2018 after she went to check on his welfare.   

James Kennedy was prosecuted and convicted for the culpable homicide of Joanne Gallacher in June 2019. 

DETERMINATION INTO THE DEATH OF JOANNE GALLACHER    

Unlike a criminal trial, an FAI seeks to establish the facts surrounding the death and is not a hearing which apportions blame.     

The purpose of an inquiry is to establish the circumstances of the death and to consider what steps, if any, may be taken to prevent other deaths in similar circumstances.     

The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest, led expert evidence on the facts and circumstances of Joanne’s death at the FAI in which other interested parties were represented.     

Following the publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS said:      

“This FAI ensured a full public airing of the evidence of the procurator fiscal’s wider investigations. The evidence was tested and the subject of an independent judicial determination.”   

“Joanne's family have been provided with a copy of the sheriff’s determination and our thoughts are with them at this time.”