Fatal accident inquiry to be held into death of man killed by son in Falkirk

A fatal accident inquiry is to be held into the death of a man who was killed by his son.

Alexander Gray, 73, was killed by Christopher Gray in the flat they shared in Falkirk on February 23 2021.

Christopher Gray was acquitted of murder in December that year on the basis that he was not criminally responsible for his conduct at the time due to mental disorder.

He was ordered at a court hearing on February 14 2022 to remain in Carstairs State Hospital indefinitely, the Crown Office said.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has now lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a discretionary fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death of Alexander Gray.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of Alexander Gray occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held.

“An FAI will allow a full public airing of the evidence of the procurator fiscal’s wider investigations with interested parties.

“The evidence will be tested in a public setting and be the subject of an independent judicial determination.

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

A preliminary hearing will take place on April 25 at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

It will explore the circumstances of Mr Gray’s death, with particular focus on the health board assessment and discharge of Christopher Gray into his father’s care.

The purpose of a fatal accident inquiry includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and establishing 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.