Probe launched into deaths of Lamara Bell and John Yuill in M9 crash

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice with the Sheriff Court to commence the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of Lamara Bell and John Yuill.

Bell and Yuill laid undiscovered in a crashed car just off the M9 for three days back in July 2015.

Their vehicle had left the road near Stirling and came to rest in an embankment.

It took Police three days to respond, despite a call being made to the emergency services.

Yuill was found dead when officers arrived, but Bell would not die until four days later in hospital.

It is believed 28-year-old old Yuill died instantly, but 25-year-old Mum of two Bell was left fighting for her life in the wreck.

A preliminary hearing will be held on 16 December 2022 at Stirling Sheriff Court.

Preliminary hearings are used to identify those who are to participate in the inquiry, consider the scope of the inquiry, consider the information likely to be presented at the inquiry and to make any other orders as the court deems appropriate.

A number of preliminary hearings may be instructed by the court. Dates for any further Preliminary Hearings will be set by the court. The Sheriff will set the timetable for the Fatal Accident Inquiry to take place.

Procurator Fiscal Katrina Parkes, who is head of COPFS’s Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, said:

“The Lord Advocate considers that these deaths occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern. This has been a complex, detailed and lengthy investigation. The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.

“The families and their legal representatives will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”

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