SHERIFFDOM OF GRAMPIAN, HIGHLAND AND ISLANDS AT PETERHEAD
UNDER THE FATAL ACCIDENT AND SUDDEN DEATHS INQUIRY (SCOTLAND) ACT 1976
DETERMINATION
OF
SHERIFF GORDON FLEETWOOD
Following an inquiry into the death of
PETER REID MURRAY ALSO KNOWN AS PETER ENGLAND
The Sheriff having considered the evidence adduced and submissions thereon, DETERMINES in terms of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976
In terms of S.6 (1) (a): The death of Peter Reid Murray also known as Peter England (date of birth 11th June 1948), then a prisoner in HM Prison Peterhead took place within Ward 4 of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Cornhill Road, Aberdeen, at about 0345 hours on the 21st of October 2006.. He was pronounced dead at 0350 hours on that date.
In terms of S.6 (1) (b): The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia consequent upon ischaemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus.
In terms of s.6 (1) (c): there were no reasonable precautions which might have prevented the death.
In terms of S.6 (1) (d): There were no defects in any system of working which contributed to the death or any death .
In terms of S.(6)(1)(e): there are no other facts which are relevant to the death.
NOTE
This Inquiry was held on 23rd November 2007. It was a mandatory Inquiry in terms of Section 1(1)(a)(ii) of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976.
Although Mr England was in hospital when he died he was a convicted prisoner, who was then incarcerated in HM Prison Peterhead. He was transferred from there to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 18th October 2006. At that time he was suffering from the consequences of a stroke he had suffered shortly before his transfer, and was also affected by ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus. In hospital his condition deteriorated until he died as a result of pneumonia in the early hours of 21st October 2006.
The evidence I heard indicated that the treatment that he received for his various ailments whilst in Peterhead Prison and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary was exemplary, and no recommendations in terms of the 1976 Act are appropriate.
Thanks are due to the Procurator Fiscal Depute and Mrs Martin-Brown who represented the Scottish Prison Service for the careful and sensitive way they presented the evidence in this Inquiry.
GORDON FLEETWOOD
Sheriff of Grampian, Highland and Islands at Peterhead