Family of boy who died in cemetery tragedy to receive six-figure payout

Family of boy who died in cemetery tragedy to receive six-figure payout

Scotland’s biggest council has agreed to pay compensation to the family of a boy who died after a headstone fell on him.

Ciaran Williamson, 8, was playing in Craigton Cemetery with friends when the incident occurred on 26 May 2015.

Glasgow City Council is due to pay his family a six-figure sum, after a sheriff ruled in January that his death was avoidable.

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) found no “active system of inspection to ensure the safety and stability of memorials”.

In a statement issued through Digby Brown Solicitors, Ciaran’s family said: “We are glad the final legal hurdle is over.

“The last three years have been devastating for us - especially during the FAI and having to relive everything.

“However, we’re grateful the civil action could be settled so quickly as it means we can start to piece ourselves back together.”

Mark Gibson, partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, said: “Ciaran’s family have endured a very public agony and in ways very few people can relate to so first and foremost I’d like to pay tribute to them for their courage throughout.

“I can confirm a civil action against Glasgow City Council has now been settled which I hope means the family can start focusing on themselves again.”

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council added: “We always aim to deal with claims as quickly and sensitively as possible.

“It wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

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