FAI court process begins for man who died in custody

Mr McDonald died on 5 July 2022 at HMP Shotts. The Crown Office is obliged to investigate deaths in custody. A preliminary hearing will be held on 7 April 2025 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “The lord advocate considers that the death of Michael McDonald occurred while in legal custody and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.”