Date set for preliminary hearing into death of Borders teenager
Last updated 26th Jun 2024
A preliminary hearing into the death of a Borders teenager who took his own life after being placed in an adult psychiatric ward will take place at Selkirk Sheriff Court in August.
The family of Harris Macdonell, from Lilliesleaf, had campaigned for a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death in August 2020 - aged just 19.
Last month, the Lord Advocate, Dorothy Bain KC, ordered a Fatal Accident Inquiry should take place, after she ruled his death occurred in circumstances which give rise to serious public concern.
The hearing - set for August 7th - is expected to focus on the care and treatment provided to him by NHS Lothian and NHS Borders prior to his death.
The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
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Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The tragic death of Harris Macdonell occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held.
“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.
“Harris’ family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
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