A prison death investigation has been launched following an incident where a prisoner was reportedly pushed off a balcony at HMP Addiewell. Police were called to the prison on Tuesday night after an inmate, Lewis Spence, was discovered with severe injuries. Spence, who was serving time for a violent attempted murder, succumbed to his injuries the following day after being taken to intensive care at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
According to a prison source, Spence was targeted by another inmate and was deliberately pushed over the balcony. The 28-year-old was involved in a violent incident in Edinburgh in September 2020, which led to his imprisonment for seven years. Detective Inspector Kevin Tait of Edinburgh CID described the crime as a targeted, violent attack associated with organized crime. Spence’s death is currently being treated as unexplained, and two 33-year-old men have been arrested in connection with his assault.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has confirmed that a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be conducted in due course following Spence’s death. Sodexo, the company managing HMP Addiewell, has been approached for comment on the incident. Police Scotland continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event at the prison.
In tragic incidents like this, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served. The safety and security of inmates in correctional facilities should be a top priority to prevent such occurrences in the future. Updates on the investigation and any developments will be closely monitored as authorities work to bring clarity to this unfortunate event.