Covid prison deaths of Scots killer and sex offender probed in joint investigation

In a joint investigation, the deaths of a double killer and a sex offender who were the first prisoners to die from Covid-19 in Scotland are under scrutiny. Francis McCarthy, 59, convicted of the murder of Thomas McKirdy in 1985, passed away on April 12, 2020, at Glasgow Royal Infirmary after being transferred from HMP Low Moss. Similarly, John Angus, a 66-year-old sex offender, died on April 9 at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, making them the first Covid-related deaths in Scottish prisons in 2020.

McCarthy’s criminal history dates back to 1977 when, at just 16 years old, he killed his first victim in Paisley. Despite serving time, he reoffended by killing Thomas McKirdy in 1985, resulting in a life sentence. McCarthy’s release and subsequent recall to prison highlight a troubled past marked by violence. Angus, on the other hand, was convicted of multiple sex offenses and was considered a dangerous individual due to his history of violence against women.

Both men contracted coronavirus while in custody, prompting the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) announced by Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks. The FAI proceedings for McCarthy and Angus aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding their Covid-related deaths in prison. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 14, with a full hearing set for August 18 next year at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

McCarthy’s violent past and abrupt ending due to Covid-19, along with Angus’s history of sex offenses and subsequent death, underscore the challenges faced by the prison system in ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates, especially during a global pandemic. The FAI proceedings will delve into the circumstances leading to their deaths, seeking accountability and potential improvements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.