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Private prison to face prosecution over Covid death

Inglis family A head and shoulders shot of a young looking man with brown eyes and receding hair smilingInglis family
Calum Inglis was found dead in a prison cell in October 2021

A private prison in West Lothian is the first to face prosecution over the death of a prisoner, 12 days after he contracted Covid.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC launched the move against Sodexo Ltd and NHS Lothian for their alleged failures to properly manage the medical care of Calum Inglis.

The 34-year-old, who had asthma, was found dead in his cell at HMP Addiewell on 24 October 2021.

Lawyer Aamer Anwar welcomed the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) decision, which follows a campaign by Inglis' family.

PA Media A line up of two blonde women, a bearded man in a suit and a bald man in a suit with microphones held in front of them.PA Media
Inglis' mother Jen, sister Frances, lawyer Aamer Anwar and father Alan speak to the press after meeting the lord advocate

Mr Anwar noted it will also be one of the first prosecutions relating to 6,000 Covid deaths reported to Crown Office, including 15 prison deaths.

Inglis, who was serving a sentence for serious assault, contracted Covid-19 while a prisoner on 12 October 2021.

But on 24 October he was found dead after what Mr Anwar said was a "slow and agonising death"

He added Inglis was a "much-loved son and brother".

Mr Anwar said: "His family hope that their love for him, the relentless campaign they have fought for him will leave a lasting legacy."

PA Media Close up of a woman holding a white framed picture of her son. She is wearing a black jacket. The man in the image is smiling and wearing a white polo shirt with thin black stripes. He is holding a drink and has a pair of sunglasses tucked into his collar.PA Media
Inglis' mother, Jen, brought a picture of her son to the meeting in Edinburgh

The lord advocate said she understood the "tragic loss" felt by the family.

She added: "I am committed to ensuring that the facts and circumstances surrounding Calum's death are thoroughly investigated by the relevant agencies, fully considered by COPFS and aired in the appropriate legal forum.

"The family and their legal representative will continue to be kept updated in accordance with their wishes."

A spokesperson for HMP Addiewell, said: "We understand that this continues to be a very difficult time for Mr Inglis's family and our thoughts and condolences remain with them.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage, but I can confirm that we are continuing to work with all relevant authorities in advance of any future fatal accident inquiry."

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: "Our thoughts continue to be with the family and loved ones of Mr Inglis."

Tracey Gillies, medical director for NHS Lothian, said: "We are unable to comment on a current legal case. Our thoughts and condolences remain with Calum's family."