Prison Operator and Health Board Admit Guilt in Covid Death
Sodexo and NHS Lothian face legal consequences following the death of an inmate.
1Legal Admission of Guilt
Sodexo, the operator of HMP Addiewell, and the Lothian Health Board have formally admitted to criminal charges. The case centers on the death of 34-year-old prisoner Calum Inglis, who died from Covid-19 in October 2021. Both entities acknowledged failing to adhere to their specific duties under national health and safety legislation.
2Circumstances of the Death
Calum Inglis was serving an 18-month sentence for serious assault when he tested positive for coronavirus on October 12, 2021. Despite suffering from asthma and being unvaccinated, he remained in his cell. He was found dead twelve days later, marking a tragic end to his incarceration period at the West Lothian facility.
3Unanswered Medical Requests
Family lawyers allege that Inglis repeatedly requested medical attention via his cell intercom during his final days. He reportedly complained of severe breathlessness and coughing up significant amounts of blood. Despite these urgent pleas, he claimed that prison officers only promised morning visits that never occurred, offering him nothing but paracetamol.
4Precedent in UK Law
This case is widely believed to be the first prosecution of its kind within the United Kingdom. It follows an extensive investigation by the Crown Office into approximately 6,000 deaths related to the pandemic. The legal action highlights the accountability of private prison operators and public health boards in custodial settings.
5Family Seeking Justice
Alan Inglis, the father of the deceased, has consistently described his son's death as a result of total neglect. He believes Calum would have survived if he had been treated within the community. The family learned of the death through word of mouth inside the prison rather than official notification channels.
6Institutional Accountability
The Scottish Prison Service previously issued a formal apology to the Inglis family in March 2024. The prosecution was specifically instructed by the then Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC last year. The admission of guilt at Edinburgh Sheriff Court marks a significant development in the ongoing scrutiny of prison healthcare standards.
7Systemic Pandemic Challenges
Calum Inglis was one of 16 individuals who died from Covid-related causes within Scotland's prison system during the pandemic. His case underscores the severe operational challenges faced by correctional facilities in managing vulnerable inmates. The legal proceedings emphasize the necessity of maintaining rigorous health protocols even during periods of extreme crisis.
8Future Legal Implications
The admission by Sodexo and the health board sets a critical legal precedent for future cases involving inmate welfare. As the court process concludes, the focus shifts to how these institutions will reform their medical response systems. This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the duty of care owed to prisoners.
Original article: BBC News – Scotland — Prison Operator and Health Board Admit Guilt in Covid Death