Calum Inglis, 34, was found dead in his cell at HMP Addiewell in West Lothian on October 24, 2021, twelve days after contracting coronavirus. His parents, Alan and Jen, and sister Frances, from Edinburgh, have spoken publicly for the first time after Sodexo Ltd and NHS Lothian admitted health and safety failures in his care at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The private prison is the first in the UK to face prosecution over a Covid death after Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC launched the move against Sodexo Ltd and NHS Lothian last year. The family had campaigned for an investigation into his death for five years.
Family describes 'barbaric' treatment
In impact statements, the family said Calum was left in his cell without medical support, coughing up blood and shouting for help through an intercom. They learned of his death several hours later when a friend contacted them after hearing a rumour.
Alan said: "Four days before Calum died, he began to cough up blood. He was shouting this to the prison officers through the cell intercom. Calum was told someone would come to see him the next morning on each of those four days, but nobody ever did. When they opened the cell and found him dead around 8.30am on 24th October, they found blood everywhere and food trays that had been untouched for days. Their treatment of Calum was barbaric."
Alan discovered his son had died eight hours later when he rang the prison after hearing a rumour through one of Calum's friends. Prison staff claimed they were unable to locate his number, which he called the "most heartbreaking experience I have ever had".
Admissions in court
Lothian Health Board pleaded guilty to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act, admitting it failed to adequately plan Calum's care between October 12 and 24, meaning his health was not properly assessed, leading to his death from severe complications of Covid. Sodexo also admitted a charge under the same legislation, failing to ensure his health was sufficiently monitored, that any decline was identified and escalated to healthcare professionals, and that proper records were maintained.
Jen said: "No court outcome will ever bring Calum back, nor can it restore the future he was deprived of. Both the prison and the health trust treated my son with total contempt as he was left to die."
Family's lasting grief
Jen described reading Calum's post-mortem results, which revealed multiple blood clots, sepsis, and bacterial infections. She said: "Opening those documents and reading what had happened inside my son's body was horrific. It is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life."
Alan, who said Calum had asthma and was unvaccinated, expressed guilt for trusting the system. He said: "My lasting thought will always be that Calum died completely alone in his cell, while clearly needing medical attention. His time in prison was never meant to be a death sentence."
Solicitor Aamer Anwar said the family will fight for a fatal accident inquiry. 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 of NHS Lothian, said: "We apologise unreservedly to the family of Mr Inglis for the failings in his care and offer our sincere condolences."
