Inquiry’s verdict into death of Fife man in his cell at Perth Prison
An inquiry into the death of a Fife man in prison has issued its recommendations.
Reese Fairgrieve, from Glenrothes, was found dead in his cell at Perth Prison on September 13, 2020.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry was held to establish the circumstances of the 23-year old’s death.
Sheriff Jennifer Bain made six recommendations for the Scottish Prison Service aimed at strengthening cell‑check procedures, improving training and supervision, and ensuring greater consistency between policy and practice to help reduce the risk of future deaths in custody.
These include revised national training developed with frontline input, clearer and more consistent guidance, mandatory record‑keeping of cell checks, regular refresher training, and increased oversight where CCTV is available.
The Procurator Fiscal, who acts in the public interest, led evidence on the facts and circumstances of Mr Fairgrieve’s death at the FAI in which other interested parties were represented.
Andy Shanks, Procurator Fiscal said: “The sheriff makes recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of future deaths in custody and highlighting the importance of strengthening cell check procedures and improving training and supervision.
“The FAI followed a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Procurator Fiscal who ensured that the full facts and circumstances of Mr Fairgrieve’s death were presented in evidence.”