Scottish Sheriff Court Decisions

2012 FAI 19

 

SHERIFF'S DETERMINATION

 

 

Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands at Peterhead

 

 

DETERMINATION

 

By

 

Gregor Kenneth Murray, Sheriff of the above court following an Inquiry held at Peterhead on 29^th February 2012 into the death of WILLIAM MAXWELL DYER ROSS LITTLE, then in legal custody at HM Prison Peterhead

 

 

 

Peterhead, 7^th March 2012

 

The Sheriff, having considered all the evidence adduced, determines:-

 

1.    In terms of Section 6(1)(a) of the Fatal Accidents and Inquiries (Scotland) Act 1976 that the said William Maxwell Dyer Ross Little died at approximately 00.50 hours on 26^th September 2009 in the Summers Ward, Peterhead Community Hospital, Peterhead.

 

 

2.    In terms of Section 6(1)(b) of the Fatal Accidents and Inquiries (Scotland) Act 1976 that the cause of death of the said William Maxwell Dyer Ross Little was natural causes, namely bronchopneumonia with general sepsis.

 

 

Note

 

Evidence in this inquiry into Mr Little's death was heard on 29^th February 2012. The Crown was represented by Mr Fay, procurator Fiscal Depute, Peterhead. The Scottish Prison Service was represented by Miss Nicholson, Solicitor, Edinburgh.

 

The evidence led was formal, consisting of a Joint Minute read into the Record by Mr Fay. The Joint Minute incorporated a Report by Doctor Grieve, who carried out an autopsy on Mr Little on 29^th September 2009. The evidence and autopsy findings corroborated that Mr Little had a history of peripheral vascular disease and, latterly, associated pain in his lower limbs. Mr Little was admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 15^th June 2009 suffering from a related gangrenous left foot. His condition worsened leading, after further appropriate assessment and care, to his admission to the Summers Ward at Peterhead Community Hospital on 22^nd September 2009 for palliative care. His condition gradually deteriorated despite further appropriate care and medication, leading to his death as found above.