EXCLUSIVE: MSP backs campaign for FAI into murder of Alan Geddes
MSP Douglas Lumsden has backed the campaign by Alan's sister Sandra, as she looks for answers on how Stuart Quinn walked free from prison, only to murder Alan back in December 2019.
Last updated 26th Aug 2021
Northsound News can exclusively reveal that North East MSP Douglas Lumsden is backing the campaign for a fatal accident inquiry into the murder of Aberdeen man Alan Geddes.
He's written to the Justice Secretary Keith Brown, to ask he speaks with the Lord Advocate about granting the investigation.
Earlier this month Alan's sister Sandra had her request turned down, which she's since appealed.
Alan was stabbed to death by Stuart Quinn in December of 2019.
Quinn, who had a history of violence, had only been let go from prison that same day - and claims he was released from HMP Grampian without anywhere to go.
It was Geddes, a former model, who offered Quinn a place to stay after meeting him on a night out - only to later be attacked.
Quinn, who also had a documented past of mental illness, told Police he thought there was a man with a gun after him when they turned up.
Mr Lumsden told Northsound:
"I've written to the Justice Secretary asking for his help trying to bring about a fatal accident inquiry over the murder of Alan Geddes.
"What happened to Alan was truly tragic, and I think the only way to see if there was any lessons to be learned, is to have a fatal accident inquiry.
"For me there still remains questions on why a prisoners with a history of violence, and alcohol and drug use, was released back into the community in what seems an unplanned and unsupported way."
Miss Geddes had initially been supported in her efforts by Labour MSP Lewis MacDonald, who set up a meeting for her with former Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf at the beginning of the year.
He's since retired from the role, doing so in advance of the election earlier this year.
Northsound News understand at least one other Politician is backing the campaign.
In his letter to Keith Brown, Mr Lumsden writes:
"Given the number of unanswered questions surrounding this case, I would argue there is significant public interest in the events leading to Mr Geddes’ murder and any reasonable person would expect this to be investigated in an open and transparent manner that allows public scrutiny.
"Ms Geddes simply wants justice for her brother, justice that any one of us would expect should we fall victim to such tragic events.
"I would therefore respectfully request that serious consideration is given to the decision not to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry and that you take this case up with the Lord Advocate as a matter of urgency."
WATCH: Sandra Geddes says she's "extremely grateful"
We spoke to Sandra Geddes, who has campaigned for lessons to be learned from her Brother's tragic murder, shortly after she learned of Mr Lumsden's letter.
"I'm extremely grateful." she said.
"To get someone like Douglas on board, it gives me hope, and also it confirms that I'm doing the right thing - that the system did go wrong here, and that we need to make changes." She continued.
It's been a horrific two years for Sandra, but she believes someone has to make a difference, and she's willing to fight for a change.
She told us:
"As people who know me have said, it's taken it's toll on me emotionally, but I feel that it's something that I think is extremely imporant.
"I've got the strength to do it, perhaps another family that this happens to won't have this strength.
"Yes, it's taken it's toll on my health, but I know that I can work on trying to make my health better.
"and what will help that is getting that FAI and making that change."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The then Justice Secretary met with Sandra Geddes earlier this year, to offer his condolences and listen to her concerns about the case.
"It was not appropriate for the Cabinet Secretary to comment further, as the matter had been placed under consideration by the COPFS’ Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit, who would then keep Mrs Geddes updated on significant developments in the investigation.
“While our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Geddes’ family, it is a matter for the Lord Advocate to determine whether or not an FAI is appropriate once the Crown has completed its investigation into any case.”