Fatal Accident Inquiry into the circumstances of Mr John Henry Crosbie [2011] FAI 5

In terms of section 6(1)(a) of the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976, the Sheriff found that Mr John Henry Crosbie died in HMP Barlinnie, 81 Lee Avenue, Glasgow on 17 April 2009. The cause of death was ischaemic heart disease due to coronary artery atheroma.

The court heard that the deceased had no significant past medical history and was apparently in reasonable health. The deceased was admitted to HMP Barlinnie on 16 April 2009, to serve a six month imprisonment. On his admission, he was examined by various members of medical staff, but there were no concerns about his health and he made no complaint about his health. On his second day in prison, the deceased made a telephone call, during which he collapsed. Despite efforts by staff and medical officers to resuscitate Mr Crosbie, he was pronounced dead at 16.13.

A post-mortem examination found that the deceased died of natural causes as a result of ischemic heart disease due to severe coronary artery disease. The court heard that this condition could have resulted in sudden death and collapse at any time.

Accordingly, the Sheriff found that in terms of sub-sections 6(1)(c), (d) and (e), there were no circumstances of the death to be set out.