Sodexo and Lothian health board have admitted criminal charges in connection with the death of a prisoner who died in his cell 12 days after testing positive for Covid-19. The family's lawyer said Calum Inglis was treated "worse than an animal".
Relatives of the 34-year-old spoke of their "horror" at his death after the company that runs HMP Addiewell and the health board admitted the charges. The case is believed to be the first successful prosecution of its kind in the UK, following a Crown Office investigation into around 6,000 Covid-related deaths.
Death at HMP Addiewell
Mr Inglis was serving a short sentence at the West Lothian prison, run by Sodexo on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service, and had just months left before his release when he contracted Covid on October 12, 2021. He was asthmatic and unvaccinated, and was found dead in his cell on October 24 after his health deteriorated.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that during the 12-day period he was isolated in his cell and was not seen by a nurse, having told his family he was coughing up significant amounts of blood. In his final days he is believed to have repeatedly requested medical attention using his cell intercom, but was never seen by a nurse.
Failings admitted
The court heard Sodexo had failed to adequately monitor Mr Inglis after he tested positive, while Lothian health board, which provided prison healthcare services, had failed to put an adequate care plan in place. Both organisations admitted criminal charges of failing to ensure they adhered to their duties under health and safety legislation.
Sheriff Julius Komorowski expressed condolences to the family, who were in court as the guilty pleas were entered, saying Mr Inglis died in "awful circumstances" and that "this death must seem senseless". Fiscal depute Connor Muir said an expert report criticised poor record-keeping around paracetamol administration, which Mr Inglis repeatedly asked for, and that proper medical care would have "significantly increased his chances of surviving".
Family response
Solicitor Aamer Anwar, speaking for the family, said: "Calum had a right to life, but his family believe he was treated worse than an animal. Left caged, terrified and alone, repeatedly pressing at intercom, screaming for help, coughing up blood. He was left to die alone and without dignity for 12 days, without any support from prison officers or healthcare staff from Lothian health board."
He described the case as the "first successful prosecution in the United Kingdom for a Covid-19-related death", said HMP Addiewell is "not fit for purpose", and called for Sodexo's contract to be cancelled. Mr Anwar noted Mr Inglis had messaged his family: "I can't walk five steps in my cell without losing my breath."
His mother Jennifer Inglis, a former nurse, said: "Knowing how my boy must have suffered in his cell for 12 days, it is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life. He was not just a prisoner. He was my son, a brother, an uncle, and a nephew. He was loved, he mattered. He deserved compassion, dignity, and proper medical care." She described her "horror" at hearing his cause of death, recorded as complications of Covid-19 infection.
His sister Frances Marr said the family will continue to push for accountability for those involved at a fatal accident inquiry. The case is next expected to call at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in December.
Statements from organisations
A Sodexo spokesperson said: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Calum Inglis following his death at HMP Addiewell in October 2021. However, as the legal proceedings have not yet concluded, it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this time."
Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director at NHS Lothian, said: "We apologise unreservedly to the family of Mr Inglis for the failings in his care and offer our sincere condolences. NHS Lothian conducted a review following his death to ensure that lessons were learned and to prevent a repeat of similar circumstances. Since then, robust actions, for both NHS Lothian and SPS staff, have been implemented to improve standards of patient safety and care, including the adoption of welfare checks and associated procedures."
