Sheriff says Polmont death could have been prevented

A sheriff has ruled the death of 20-year-old Jack Mackenzie at Polmont Young Offenders Institution could have been prevented.

Mackenzie died by suicide in September 2021.

The Scottish Prison Service has apologised to his family.

The findings, released by Sheriff Simon Collins, include seven recommendations to help avoid future tragedies.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

“I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family of Jack McKenzie, I am deeply sorry about his death.

“Deaths from suicide in custody are as tragic as they are preventable, and Jack’s death should not have happened whilst he was in the care of the state. I have been clear that there needs to be systemic change and action at pace to ensure we prevent avoidable deaths in custody. Work is well underway to put in place the necessary reforms to make our prisons safe and rehabilitative.

“I thank Sheriff Collins for his detailed determination which has highlighted a number of reasonable precautions that should have been taken and systemic failures that must be addressed to help prevent other deaths in custody. His recommendations will be given very careful and detailed consideration and responded to formally by 11 July.

“Delivering lasting change must be underpinned by accountability and transparency at every stage which is why I have established a Ministerial Accountability Board to provide oversight and drive progress.”