Jail death of man caught with drugs and stun guns to be probed

A probe has been announced into the jail death of a Scots prisoner who was caught with stun guns and illegal drugs. Christopher Nicoll, a prisoner at HMP Castle Huntly, a few miles west of Dundee, died on Friday, November 26, 2021. A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) preliminary hearing has now been announced into the death and will take place at Dundee Sheriff Court on December 23.

Nicoll was jailed for more than three years at Dundee Sheriff Court in 2020 after admitting to buying stun guns from the online shop Wish. Upon searching his home and car in Kirriemuir, Angus, police found nearly 2,000 diazepam tablets and cannabis. Two stun guns were also recovered during the search, and Nicoll admitted to purchasing them from Wish, claiming he believed they were only capable of creating an electric spark and a torch. However, Nicoll did not provide an explanation for why he bought them. His defence lawyer stated that he thought he was acting within the law, with the items stored in a secure garage and no suggestion they were intended for use.

Furthermore, Nicoll claimed that the drugs found in his possession were for personal use. The investigation into his death raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his possession of illegal items while in custody at HMP Castle Huntly. The upcoming inquiry seeks to shed light on the events leading to Nicoll’s death and determine if any factors within the prison contributed to the tragedy.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with illicit activities and the consequences they can have on individuals’ lives. While the details of the investigation are yet to unfold, it underscores the importance of upholding legal standards and the need for appropriate measures to prevent similar events in the future.

In summary, the recent jail death of Christopher Nicoll, a prisoner caught with drugs and stun guns at HMP Castle Huntly, has prompted a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding his passing. The inquiry aims to uncover the factors leading to Nicoll’s death and address any potential issues within the prison system. This case highlights the risks of engaging in illegal activities and the importance of maintaining a safe and lawful environment, especially in correctional facilities.