Investigation launched into death of T reveller
Response of Police Scotland set to be reviewed
A police watchdog has launched an investigation following the death of T in the Park reveller James Richardson.
The 29- year- old from Wishaw was found dead by the A9 in Forteviot on Tuesday morning last week, following the conclusion of the festival held on Strathallan Castle Estate near Auchterarder the previous weekend.
The father-of-three had last been seen at the roadside at around 2.15pm the previous day.
And, on Friday last week, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) announced an investigation had been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It will focus on the initial response by police after they were informed Mr Richardson had gone missing.
A Police Scotland statement said: “Police Scotland acknowledges the PIRC investigation into the initial police response following a report of concern made about James Richardson’s welfare in the Forteviot area of Perthshire. We will co-operate fully with the investigation and will address any recommendations which may be made.”
A PIRC spokesman confirmed: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to undertake an investigation after the body of James Richardson, 29, was discovered in the Forteviot area of Perthshire on July 12, 2016.
“The investigation will focus on the initial police response following a report of concern made about the man’s welfare.
“A report on the Commissioner’s findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course.”
Following news of Mr Richardson’s death, floral tributes have been laid at a spot near to the A9 at Cairnie Braes.
Meanwhile, Paige Mackay (19) was found dead at her home in Inverness on Wednesday last week, just days after attending T in the Park.
A former pupil at Balnacraig School in Perth, her death – like that of Mr Richardson – is not being treated as suspicious by police.
Geoff Ellis, CEO of T in the Park promoters DF Concerts, said his thoughts were with the families of Mr Richardson and Miss Mackay.
It follows on from the festival figurehead also expressing his sadness for Peter MacCallum and Megan Bell, both 17, who were found dead at T in the Park while the festival was taking place.
Mr Ellis told a weekend national newspaper: “While there is no suggestion that these tragedies [the deaths of Mr Richardson and Miss Mackay] were related to their attendance, they were also two of our own.
“It’s incredibly sad to learn of their deaths and again we convey our heartfelt sympathies to those close to them.”
Mr Ellis said providing a platform for the best music around remained the driving force behind the festival.
“We launched T in the Park 23 years ago because we wanted Scottish fans to have somewhere to go with their friends every summer to see the best bands from around the world,” he continued.
“Over the years, those fans have become part of an international T in the Park community who come together to enjoy music and have good times with their friends.
“That’s why we still do it.”