John Barr, an inmate within HMP Edinburgh, was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for medical treatment. A deterioration in his health required a move to palliative care at a community hospital in Granton where he later died on 5 October 2023.  

Mr Barr was in legal custody and in the care of the state at the time of his death.  

A preliminary hearing will be held on 21 July 2025 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

The fatal accident inquiry will be heard on 4 November 2025 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of John Barr occurred while in legal custody and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.”