Schooboy's death by gravestone in Glasgow was “instantaneous and painless”- FAI told

The death of an eight-year-old boy killed by a gravestone at a Glasgow cemetery was “instantaneous and painless” - a fatal accident inquiry has heard.

A joint minute of agreement of pathology evidence from Dr Gemma Kemp was read to the court by Dorothy Bain QC.

Ciaran’s parents were crying as the details of his multiple injuries were read to the court.

The schoolboy suffered two skull fractures and his brain stem separated into two parts when he was hit by the headstone in Craigton Cemetery.

The court heard he had cuts on his face as well as internal injuries to his heart and liver caused by the falling stone.

Miss Bain read that Dr Kemp recorded that Ciaran was facing the seven foot gravestone and was positioned at a distance away from it,that was longer than the length of the memorial plate.

The QC said: “The pediment fell striking Ciaran on the top of his head causing him to fall backwards, as a result he sustained several head injuries.”

It was heard that the pediment “fell further and progressed down Ciaran’s face causing him to sustain several abrasions”.

The document also said “the pediment then landed on Ciaran’s chest, shoulder and upper abdomen causing him to sustain the blunt force trauma injuries he suffered to his aorta and liver”.

Miss Bain told the court: “At the point Ciaran was struck by the pediment his death would have been instantaneous and painless for him.”

Ciaran’s dad walked out as the distressing details were read to the court.

The inquiry before Sheriff Linda Ruxton continues.

• Craigton Cemetery