Probe into man’s death to be launched

A PROBE into the death of a man who was found unconscious in his van will begin next month.

Thomas Cochrane, 52, died at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Monday, January 21, 2019, after being found unresponsive in the back of his works van at his home in Moodiesburn.

Now the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service ( COPFS) has lodged a first notice to begin court proceedings for a fatal accident inquiry ( FAI) into his death.

A preliminary hearing is set for June 25, 2024, at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

An FAI is held to determine the cause of death and the circumstances in which death occurred.

They also establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

This investigation will explore the circumstances of Thomas’ death with a focus on the followup care he received at University Hospital Monklands and Stobhill Hospital.

It is also expected that the inquiry will consider the sharing and recording of information between and within those hospitals as well as other specialist mental health units.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The tragic death of Thomas Cochrane occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.

“Mr Cochrane’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”