FAI to investigate deaths of Katie Allan and William Lindsay at Polmont

During the upcoming Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI), the parents of Katie Allan and William Lindsay are expected to give evidence. The FAI is set to last for three weeks and will focus on the circumstances surrounding both deaths, with particular attention to the Scottish Prison Service’s “Talk To Me” strategy in relation to suicide prevention in prisons.

The main objective of the inquiry is to determine whether any precautions could have been taken or could be implemented in the future to minimize the risk of similar deaths. Among those scheduled to provide evidence are mental health nurses.

William Lindsay, who had been in care multiple times, tragically passed away at Polmont on October 7, 2018. This occurred just three days after being admitted, as there was no space available in a children’s secure unit, despite his history of suicide attempts. He had been sent to Polmont on remand.

Throughout the five-year wait for the inquiry, William Lindsay’s mother and two sisters passed away.

Katie Allan, a student at Glasgow University, was found dead on June 4, 2018, while serving a 16-month sentence for drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, charges to which she had pleaded guilty.

Solicitor Aamer Anwar, representing both families, expressed their belief that the Scottish Prison Service and health service bear direct responsibility for the deaths. They are determined to fight for accountability and ensure that other lives can be saved.

Both families are calling for the lifting of Crown immunity, which currently prevents organizations such as the prison service from being prosecuted. They argue that the Scottish Prison Service’s failings, identified as “materially contributing” to the deaths, should be addressed under the Health and Safety Act.

READ MORE: Families waiting eight years for fatal accident inquiries

Anwar has urged First Minister Humza Yousaf to address the issue of lifting Crown immunity with the UK Government.

In a statement, Anwar noted, “Both families believe the passage of time has allowed the Scottish Prison Service to operate in secrecy, covering up systemic failures and preventable suicides.

“In October 2022, the families were informed that a breach of the Health and Safety Act ‘materially contributed’ to both deaths. However, due to Crown immunity, no criminal proceedings could be initiated.

“The lifting of Crown immunity must be a priority for the Scottish Government. To date, there has been no response.”

death“/>Katie Allan died while an inmate at Polmont in 2018 (family handout/PA)

A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service stated, “The loss of any person in our care is devastating, and we recognize the profound impact it has. Every individual in custody undergoes an assessment to identify the necessary support.”

Considering that a fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of Katie Allan and William Lindsay is imminent, the Scottish Prison Service refrained from providing further comment.

READ MORE: Fatal Accident Inquiry to probe deaths of two young people at Polmont

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service acknowledged the lengthy wait for the proceedings, expressing sympathy for the families of Katie and William. They emphasized that the FAI will offer an opportunity for all evidence to be publicly presented, with families and interested parties being represented.

The families and legal representatives will continue to receive updates as the inquiry progresses.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government stated, “Our thoughts are with every family who has been bereaved by suicide in prisons.

“With the upcoming fatal accident inquiry, we cannot comment on these cases. We will carefully consider the outcome.”