HMP Addiewell and NHS Lothian Plead Guilty to Health and Safety Breaches After Prisoner Death

HMP Addiewell and NHS Lothian have both pleaded guilty to criminal charges stemming from the death of Calum Inglis, a 34-year-old prisoner who succumbed to pneumonia in October 2021. The admissions were made at Livingston Sheriff Court, with sentencing deferred to a later date.

Mr Inglis was serving a sentence for serious assault at HMP Addiewell and was weeks away from release when he died. The charges against the private prison operator, Sodexo, which runs HMP Addiewell, and NHS Lothian, involve breaches of health and safety legislation.

A previous Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into Mr Inglis's death identified 10 reasonable precautions that could have prevented his demise. The FAI report highlighted that his condition was not properly assessed, and communication failures between healthcare staff and prison officers contributed to the neglect. Mr Inglis was reportedly found covered in vomit and struggling to breathe days before his death, yet medical attention was inadequate.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has stated that the prosecution underscores the importance of public bodies and private companies ensuring the safety of those in their care. The case continues to highlight systemic issues within the Scottish justice and healthcare systems concerning prisoner welfare.