A joint investigation has been launched into the deaths of two prisoners in Scotland, a double killer and a sex offender, who were the first to die from Covid-19 in 2020. Francis McCarthy, 59, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of Thomas McKirdy in Paisley in 1985, passed away on April 12, 2020, at Glasgow Royal Infirmary after being taken from HMP Low Moss. McCarthy had a history of violence, having previously stabbed another victim to death and being recalled to prison multiple times. John Angus, a 66-year-old sex offender, died at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on April 9, 2020, while incarcerated at Saughton jail. Both men contracted the coronavirus while in custody during the global pandemic in 2020.
The Procurator Fiscal, Andy Shanks, has announced that a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will be conducted into the deaths of the two prisoners. McCarthy’s hearing is set for January 14, with a full hearing scheduled for August 18 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. McCarthy’s criminal past included killing two individuals, first in 1977 with a pen-knife and then in 1985 resulting in a life sentence. Despite being released on parole multiple times, he was repeatedly recalled to prison for various offences. Angus, on the other hand, was convicted of sexual offenses and had a history of violent crimes.
Prison sources indicated that both men had a complex criminal history and were in custody when they contracted Covid-19. The investigation will delve into the circumstances surrounding their deaths to provide more clarity on the events leading up to their passing. The announcement of the FAI comes as an effort to understand the impact of the coronavirus within the prison system and to ensure accountability for the deaths of these two individuals.
The deaths of McCarthy and Angus highlight the challenges faced by the prison system during the Covid-19 pandemic and raise questions about the safety and wellbeing of inmates. The joint investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances that led to their deaths and to provide insights into how similar situations can be prevented in the future. As the FAI process unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the tragic deaths of these two prisoners.
Overall, the joint investigation into the Covid-19 deaths of the two prisoners, McCarthy and Angus, underscores the need for transparency and accountability within the prison system. The FAI process will be crucial in examining the circumstances surrounding their deaths and in identifying any lapses in safety measures that may have contributed to the fatalities. The findings of the inquiry are expected to provide valuable insights into the impact of the pandemic on prisons and to guide future efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of inmates.