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.
“A Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory because Brendan Reilly died while in legal custody,” stated Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who oversees COPFS’s fatality investigations.
“The filing of the First Notice permits the Sheriff to oversee 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.
FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, as opposed to criminal trials, and are meant to establish facts rather than assign 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.
