Joint FAI process begins over death of care home residents
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged first notices with the sheriff court to begin the court process for a conjoined fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of David Donnelly and Robert Thomson.
David Donnelly, aged 83, died at Hairmyres Hospital on 14 January 2019. Robert Thomson, aged 99, died at Hairmyres on 2 March 2021. Both men had been residents at Lornebank Care Home, Hamilton.
A preliminary hearing will be held on 19 July 2024 at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “The lord advocate considers that the deaths of David Donnelly and Robert Thomson occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a joint discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held.
“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.
“The families will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”