Gravestone that killed schoolboy at Craigton Cemetery may have been 'leaning' for more than a decade

A civil engineer told a fatal accident inquiry he would be “astonished” if the headstone that killed an eight-year-old had not been leaning for a decade before the tragedy.

Professor John Knapton gave evidence for a second day at the inquiry into the death of Ciaran Williamson.

The schoolboy was playing with friends in Craigton Cemetery when a headstone fell on him in May 26, 2015.

The inquiry at Glasgow Sheriff Court is to establish if there were any reasonable precautions that could have prevented the tragedy.

And, to establish if there were any defects in the system of work which caused or contributed to Ciaran’s death.

Professor Knapton told the court he thought the headstone had started to lean forward “several years” before the incident.

He told the hearing “I would be astonished if it had not been leaning 10 years ago.”

The witness was asked what actions he would have taken if he had been asked to inspect the memorial based on its condition and said that from the information he would have concluded it wasn’t safe.

He said: “I would not give it a clean bill of health.”

In earlier evidence the court heard Ciaran was hit with the pediment, the top part of the gravestone which fell on him and killed him instantly.

Distressing details of Ciaran’s multiple injuries, including two skull fractures, were read to the court in a joint minute.

The inquiry before sheriff Linda Ruxton continues.

• Craigton Cemetery