Fatal Accident Inquiry launched after car showroom boss died in his office
The FAI will look into how the Scottish Ambulance Service responded to the death of David McClenaghan
A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will take place after the boss of a Coatbridge car showroom died in his office.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of 57-year-old David McClenaghan.
Mr McClenaghan, a manager with Park’s Motor Group, died following a heart attack in his office at Park’s Kia Showroom, Coatbridge on 26 August 2018.
A preliminary hearing is set for 9 September 2024 at Airdrie Sheriff Court.
Mr McClenaghan, a manager with Park’s Motor Group, died following a heart attack in his office at Park’s Kia Showroom, Coatbridge on 26 August 2018.
A preliminary hearing is set for 9 September 2024 at Airdrie Sheriff Court.
The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths 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.
It is anticipated the focus of the FAI will be on the circumstances surrounding the actions and response of the Scottish Ambulance Service to the emergency.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said:
“The Lord Advocate considers that the death of David McClenaghan occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held.
“An FAI will allow a full public airing of the evidence of the procurator fiscal’s wider investigations with interested parties. The evidence will be tested in a public setting and be the subject of an independent judicial determination.”