SHERIFFDOM OF TAYSIDE CENTRAL AND FIFE AT ALLOA

 

2011 FAI 1

 

DETERMINATION

 

by

 

 

Sheriff David N Mackie

 

in

 

Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of

 

WILLIAM STEWART

 

in terms of section 6 of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976

 

 

 

ALLOA, B543/10

14^th January 2011

 

 

The Sheriff, having resumed consideration of the Inquiry, DETERMINES as follows:

 

 

1.                        In terms of section 6(1)(a) of the Act that WILLIAM STEWART, who was born on 22^nd September 1962, died at 1911 hours on 19^th February 2008 within Cell 49, Abercrombie Flat 5,Glenochil Prison. King O'Muirs Road, Tullibody.

 

2.                        In terms of section 6(1)(b) of the Act that the cause of death was Artherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease.

 

 

 

 

 

Sheriff David N Mackie

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE:

 

[1]   William Stewart was serving a life sentence imposed in 1993 and was an inmate of Glenochil Prison. He had a history of heart disease and had undergone surgery for the insertion of a stent in one of his coronary arteries. He had suffered more than one heart attack but had made a well documented choice not to take medication prescribed for him in the treatment and management of his heart condition contrary to repeated medical advice. He was found in a collapsed state lying on the bed in his cell and turning blue by a fellow inmate at about 1845 hours on 19^th February 2008. Attempts at resuscitation by Prison Officers, Prison Medical Staff and paramedics were unsuccessful and the fact of death was confirmed at 1911 hours.

 

[2]   I have no findings to make under sub sections (1)(c), (d) or (e) of section 6 of the Act. On the contrary I consider it appropriate to compliment the Scottish Prison Service staff and in particular the medical staff for the quality of care and medical treatment shown to the deceased during his lifetime. This is reflected in the quality of both the Healthcare and Prison Records relating to the deceased which were produced and referred to in the course of the Inquiry.

 

[3]   The late Mr Stewart had apparently found a certain contentment in prison, lived a settled routine and was well liked. He was looking forward to the prospect of liberty but in the end this did not come to pass for him. I join in the expressions of condolence by the Solicitor for the Scottish Prison Service, Mr Rolf, to the late Mr Stewart's family and friends.

 

 

Sheriff David N Mackie

Alloa,

14/1/11