FAI into death of six-week-old baby not to be held

The decision came after discussions with the family of Alexis Matheson – with the Crown Office saying facts and learning points had previously been established in earlier processes.

Mark Simpson was jailed for at least 20 years after being found guilty of murdering Alexis’ by shaking her to death in November 2010.

Mr Simpson, 29 at the time of sentencing, denied assaulting the baby at his house in Aberdeen in 2007 while Alexis and her mother lived there.

The Crown Office said an FAI would be carried out after trial judge Lord Uist expressed concern about the baby’s medical care.

A “significant case review” then produced recommendations but found that the death could not have been foreseen nor prevented.

A Crown Office spokesperson said: “The decision was made following discussions with Alexis’ family.

“The purpose of a fatal accident inquiry is to determine the cause of death and establish what lessons can be learned for the future.

“Crown Counsel are satisfied that the reasons for the death have already been established through the criminal prosecution process.

“Following that the health board ordered a Significant Case Review be undertaken by a retired English High Court judge.

“Judge Llewellyn’s comprehensive review of the case has now been published. The review identified a number of learning points for general practice, across Scotland.

“Experts in the Crown Office’s Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit sought assurances from the NHS that the recommendations in the review would be implemented.

“We are satisfied that the information has now been shared across the NHS in Scotland.

“Crown Counsel have concluded that any recommendation which might have been made in terms of Section 6 of the Sudden Deaths and Fatal Accident Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976 have already been addressed by these actions.”