McArthur responds to Polmont FAI determination

Responding to the determination of a fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of Katie Allan and William Brown at Polmont Young Offenders Institution in 2018, which found that their deaths could have been avoided but for a ‘catalogue for failures’ in the system, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

“Today, I want to pay tribute to the families of Katie Allan and William Brown. In the most difficult of circumstances, they have been resolute in ensuring these tragic cases receive the scrutiny they deserve.

“They have had to wait far too long for this day. The length of time taken to complete fatal accident inquiries only adds to the anguish of families and prevents lessons from being learned at an earlier stage. That certainly seems to be the case in these instances.

“Now that we have these reports, the Scottish Government must ensure that the sheriff’s recommendations are fully and properly implemented, including making cells safer and improving coordination between health and justice agencies.

“More widely, we also need to see reform of the fatal accident inquiry system that ensures inquiries begin and results are presented in a more timely fashion.”