Lord Advocate says failure to conduct FAI into M9 crash ‘inconceivable’

Frank Mulholland QC

Lamara Bell, 25, and John Yuill, 28, were found in their car three days after they crashed near Stirling. Mr Yuill was dead and Ms Bell later died in hospital.

Mr Mulholland previously instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to investigate the incident.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie, wrote to the Lord Advocate earlier this year to request an update on the investigation.

Mr Mulholland said in reply: “When all investigations are completed this case will be reported to Crown Counsel for instruction as to what, if any, proceedings are appropriate.

“It is open to Crown Counsel to instruct fatal accident inquiries or criminal proceedings where appropriate.

“As with any sudden death case, the evidence in this case will be analysed carefully and all options will be considered.

“I should add that, notwithstanding a decision on criminal proceedings, I find it inconceivable that a fatal accident inquiry will not be held given the public concern over this tragedy.”

A Crown Office spokesman said: “The Crown has received an interim report from the PIRC in connection with an incident on the M9 in July 2015. It would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation is live.

“The families of those involved will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”