The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has issued an apology following the tragic death of Calum Inglis, an asthmatic prisoner who passed away alone in his cell at HMP Addiewell in West Lothian during the pandemic.
Calum’s father, Alan Inglis, expressed his grief and frustration, urging the Scottish Covid Inquiry to hold those responsible accountable.
Calum, who tested positive for COVID-19 while serving a short sentence, reportedly deteriorated rapidly without receiving adequate medical attention. During the inquiry, his father’s impassioned plea for answers led to an apology from Allister Purdie, the director of operations for SPS.
Purdie acknowledged the need for accountability and expressed regret for the lack of communication with the family following Calum’s death.
During the inquiry, Purdie outlined the protocol for handling deaths in prison, emphasizing the importance of early communication with the family and conducting a thorough review of the circumstances.
However, he admitted that the process did not reflect Calum Inglis’s experience, indicating a need for further investigation into the case.
HMP Addiewell, a privately run prison, has faced scrutiny over its handling of Calum’s death. While Purdie acknowledged the difference in protocol for deaths at Addiewell, he emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with the family in such cases.
The inquiry also shed light on the challenges posed by the pandemic in prisons, with Purdie revealing that 16 deaths from Covid-19 occurred during the crisis. Despite the difficulties, he praised the efforts of both staff and prisoners in adhering to safety protocols and saving lives.
Moving forward, the inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind Calum Inglis’s tragic death and ensure that lessons are learned to prevent similar incidents in the future. The SPS continues collaborating with relevant authorities as preparations are made for a potentially fatal accident inquiry.
The Scottish Prison Service’s apology reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the concerns raised by Calum Inglis’s family and the broader community. As the inquiry progresses, efforts will be made to provide closure and justice for all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
