**Private Prison and Health Board Charged in Connection with Prisoner’s Covid-19 Death**
In a historic case, a private prison and a health board have admitted to criminal charges in relation to the death of a prisoner who fell victim to Covid-19. The tragic incident involves Calum Inglis, a 34-year-old man who was serving a brief sentence at HMP Addiewell when he tested positive for the virus on October 12, 2021.
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Inglis, who had asthma and was unvaccinated, tragically died alone in his cell at the West Lothian facility, which is operated by the private security company Sodexo, after his condition worsened. On Friday, both Sodexo and the Lothian Health Board pleaded guilty to charges of failing to meet their responsibilities under health and safety legislation, as they appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
During the 12-day period prior to his death, Mr Inglis reportedly did not receive any medical attention from nursing staff. His family’s legal representatives allege that he frequently complained of breathlessness and was coughing up considerable amounts of blood. It is further claimed that in the last four days of his life, Inglis repeatedly sought medical assistance using the cell intercom system, yet his requests were dismissed, with prison officers assuring him that someone would attend to him the following morning, which never transpired. He was ultimately discovered deceased in his cell on October 24.
Inglis was serving time for serious assault when this tragic event occurred. His family’s solicitor, Aamer Anwar, has previously characterised his death as “agonising”, calling into question the adequacy of health care provisions within the prison system.
This landmark prosecution, initiated by Scotland’s top law officer, marks a significant moment in the legal landscape, as it is reportedly the first of its kind in Scotland. Following an investigation by the Crown Office into approximately 6,000 deaths connected to Covid-19, this case has prompted serious considerations regarding the care and safety of incarcerated individuals during health crises.
The stark reality of Calum Inglis’s death highlights the urgent need for improved health care access within the prison system, particularly during public health emergencies. Such cases underscore the importance of accountability in safeguarding the lives of vulnerable populations, ensuring that similar tragedies do not recur in the future.