Hearing ahead of inquiry into Polmont YOI deaths

A preliminary hearing is being held today, ahead of an inquiry into the deaths of two young people at Polmont Young Offenders Institution.

Katie Allan and William Lindsay both took their own lives at the Forth Valley prison.

Katie died aged 21 in June 2018 while serving a sentence for a driving offence - William died aged 16 in October 2018.

The process for a joint FAI into the separate deaths got underway in May.

A hearing is being held today at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

The inquiry will last for six weeks, and begin at the start of next year.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: "While it would not be appropriate to comment on upcoming proceedings, we recognise the profound emotional distress experienced by families in any instance when a loved one dies in custody.

"The welfare and safety of those in our care is a priority for the SPS.

"HM Chief Inspector of Prisons wrote there had been 'considerable strides made in healthcare' for young people at HMP & YOI Polmont, following an independent review in 2019."

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "Our sympathies remain with the families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay.

"We are determined any lessons that need to be learned will be, and that all appropriate agencies will look closely at the outcome of this Fatal Accident Inquiry, as they should with all FAI recommendations."