Hearing in M9 crash FAI to take place
A preliminary hearing in the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of two people on the M9 seven years ago is set to take place at Stirling Sheriff Court today.
A preliminary hearing in the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of two people on the M9 seven years ago is set to take place at Stirling Sheriff Court today.
25 year-old Lamara Bell and her partner 28 year-old John Yuill died after their Renault Clio left the motorway near Stirling on July 5 2015. Despite a call to Police Scotland, it took three days for the force to respond.
When officers arrived on July 8th, Mr Yuill was found dead at the scene, while Ms Bell died four days later in hospital.
A member of the public called police to report the crashed car on July 5, but no action was taken until another member of the public noticed the car three days later, heard Ms Bell pleading for help, and called the police.
Civil settlement and fines for Police Scotland
In December 2021, the Crown formally instructed that there should be an FAI held to examine the full circumstances of their deaths.
The family of Ms Bell were also awarded more than £1m in damages after agreeing a civil settlement with Police Scotland while, last September, the force was also fined £100,000 after it pleaded guilty to health and safety failings which “materially contributed” to Ms Bell’s death”.
Iain Livingstone, the chief constable of Police Scotland, apologised to the families following the court hearing in September last year.
What happens at a Preliminary Hearing?
Preliminary hearings are used to identify those who are able to participate in the inquiry, to consider the scope of the inquiry and the information likely to be presented.
A number of preliminary hearings may be instructed by the court, while the Sheriff will set the timetable for the FAI to take place.
What is a Fatal Accident Inquiry?
The purpose of FAIs include determining causes of death and to establish what reasonable precautions could have been taken to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
Procurator Fiscal Katrina Parkes, head of the COPFS’ Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, explained that the families of Ms Bell and Mr Yuill will be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings continue.
“The Lord Advocate considers that these deaths occurred in circumstances giving rising to significant public concern,” she said.
“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.”
M9 Crash
