FAI to be held over death of roofer in Kilmacolm fall

A preliminary hearing will call at Paisley Sheriff Court next month <i>(Image: Colin Mearns)</i>
A preliminary hearing will call at Paisley Sheriff Court next month (Image: Colin Mearns)
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A FATAL accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held into the death of a roofer who sustained fatal injuries in a fall from a cottage in Kilmacolm.

William Matthews died from his injuries following the incident on August 5, 2024.

The 57-year-old was the owner and director of a roofing and plastering business based in Paisley.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the FAI court process, with a preliminary hearing set for May 26 at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature and seek to establish facts rather than apportion blame.

The inquiry will aim to determine Mr Matthews' cause or death and the circumstances in which it occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken or could be implemented in future to minimise the risk of future deaths.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:     “The death of William Matthews occurred while in the course of his employment 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.          

“Mr Matthews’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”   

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