Dumfries Sheriff Court heard that Gordon Pinkerton, 75, died on 22 April 2020 and that Francis Moore, 85, died on 27 February 2021.

Sheriff David Young KC concluded: “Each became infected with Covid-19 during a nationwide outbreak, and succumbed to this disease despite prompt transfer to hospital and treatment there.

“Having considered: the context of the pandemic and the developing understanding of the transmission of the disease and the appropriate responses required within the prison setting; the steps taken to assess and control spread of the disease in the prison; the steps taken to assess the state of health of each man; and their care and treatment in HMP Dumfries and later in hospital, I am satisfied that appropriate care and treatment was provided to each throughout.”