Inquiry to be held into death of Scots prisoner in cell

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

Michael Burza, a prisoner at HMP Perth, was found dead in his cell on the morning of August 4, 2022.

The 37-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 preliminary hearing due to be held on June 4 this year at Perth 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 Michael Burza 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.” 