Sarah Jane Riley, 28, was a prisoner within the Separation and Reintegration Unit (SRU) at HM Prison Perth who died by suicide on 12 January 2019.
Eight recommendations for change, including on the risks to prisoners with complex needs sentenced to Orders for Lifelong restriction, have been made in Sheriff Pino De Emidio’s determination.
Unlike a criminal trial, an FAI seeks to establish the facts surrounding the death and is not a hearing which apportions blame.
The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest, provided detailed and comprehensive evidence to the Inquiry on the facts and circumstances of Sarah’s death.
Following the publication of the determination, Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said:
“The sheriff’s determination is detailed and notes recommendations in relation to reasonable precautions that could have been taken to avoid Sarah’s death and identified learning to help avoid such incidents happening to prisoners with complex needs in the future.
“The FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Procurator Fiscal who ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Sarah’s death were presented in evidence. "
“My thoughts remain with Sarah’s loved ones at this difficult time.”
Further information
For more information on Fatal Accident Inquiries see the Crown’s guide.