Families of Polmont custody death youths criticise prison service ‘licence to kill’ following FAI
The families of two young individuals who tragically died at Polmont have expressed outrage at the prison service after a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) concluded that both deaths at the young offenders institution could have been prevented. Katie Allan, 21, and William Lindsay, also known as William Brown, 16, lost their lives in the custody of Polmont, leading their relatives to demand the removal of crown immunity from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). Solicitor Aamer Anwar, representing both families, condemned the immunity granted to the SPS, describing it as a “licence to kill” that should be revoked. The families are supported by various political parties in opposition who advocate for the elimination of crown immunity, allowing accountability for the SPS.
Katie Allan, a student at Glasgow University, was found dead in her cell on June 4, 2018, while serving a 16-month sentence for driving offences. William, who had a history of being in care, was detained at Polmont and later found dead four months after his detention. A joint FAI revealed a series of failures by prison and healthcare staff that contributed to the tragic outcomes for Katie and William. Important information about their histories of self-harm was not adequately passed on, which could have prevented their suicides.
The grieving families are determined to campaign for the stripping of crown immunity from the SPS to enable legal action against the institution for their actions. They highlight the lack of accountability and the need for significant changes to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Though the SPS expressed regret for the identified failures and pledged to address the issues raised in the report, the families are resolute in their pursuit of justice and reform.
In conclusion, the outcry from the families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay sheds light on the systemic failures within the Scottish Prison Service that have led to devastating consequences. Their call for accountability and reforms is a poignant reminder of the vital need for transparency and stringent measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals in custody. The tragic deaths highlight the urgency for decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that justice is served for those who lost their lives.