An investigation into a man’s death at HMP Bowhouse in Kilmarnock has been opened as a fatal accident.
On the morning of June 11, 2021, Brendan Reilly, 34, was discovered deceased in his cell within the penitentiary.
In order to initiate the legal process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into his death, the Procurator Fiscal Service and the Crown Office have filed a First Notice. In 2005, just hours after being released from Polmont Young Offenders Institute, Reilly fatally stabbed a man, landing him in jail.
After viciously stabbing 20-year-old David Wilson three times in Port Glasgow, he was given a minimum term of 15 years.
On May 15, there will be a preliminary hearing.
Andy Shanks, the procurator fiscal, oversees the investigations of fatalities for COPFS, said: “The death of Brendan Reilly occurred while in legal custody and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.
The filing of the First Notice permits the Sheriff to lead the FAI proceedings to begin.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) aims to ascertain the cause of death, the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and whether any reasonable precautions could have been taken or should be taken going forward to reduce the likelihood of deaths under similar circumstances in the future.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
This investigation will look into the events leading up to Reilly’s death, with a predicted emphasis on SPS guidelines regarding morning checks and how management makes sure the guidelines are followed. The investigation is also anticipated to take into account the problem of drug supply inside prisons as well as the rules and practices that were put in place at the time to restrict it.
