Google MapsAn inquiry is to be held into the deaths of two prisoners who died after contracting Covid while in custody.
Gordon Pinkerton, 75, died on April 22, 2020, and Francis Moore, 85, died on February 27, 2021, both in Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
The men had contracted the virus while prisoners in HMP Dumfries.
The inquiry will look at the cause of deaths, the circumstances and whether precautions could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
A preliminary hearing will be held on December 9 at Dumfries Sheriff Court before a Fatal Accident Inquiry is heard on December 19.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than apportion blame.
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the deaths of Gordon Pinkerton and Francis Moore occurred in similar circumstances, both deaths being attributable to the Covid-19 virus contracted whilst in legal custody within HMP Dumfries 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.”
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