Probe into prisoner death in West Lothian to focus on ‘Talk to Me’ policy

An inquiry is to be held into the death of a prisoner in West Lothian.

Christopher Fulton, a prisoner at HMP Addiewell, was found dead in his cell on the morning of March 24, 2021.

The 26-year-old was in legal custody and in the care of the state at the time of his death.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry will examine the circumstances of his death, with a focus on the presence of a well-known ligature anchor point within his cell, and the application of the Talk to Me policy to prisoners who may require adaptations.

A preliminary hearing is due to be held on May 26 this year at Livingston Sheriff Court.

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and establishing what steps, if any, could have been taken 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.

Lorraine Almond of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s death investigation authority, said:   “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Christopher Fulton occurred whilst he was in legal custody 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.”