Give families a voice in prison death probes

Campaign group wants FAls axed

- BY NORMAN SILVESTER

GRIEVING families united to demand answers over the mystery deaths of their loved ones in Scots prisons.

The families met with First Minister John Swinney and Justice Secretary Angela Constance at Scottish Government headquarters at St Andrews House in Edinburgh.

Yesterday's meeting was organised by the United Friends and Families and Sharon MacFadyen - whose nephew Allan Marshall died in hospital in March 2015, four days after he was restrained by up to 17 prison officers at HMP Edinburgh.

At the gathering, the families renewed their call for an end to fatal accident inquiries which they say are not fit for purpose.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Sharon said they were encouraged by the response from the duo, with another meeting pencilled in for March.