Fatal Accident Inquiry to be held into death of farmer
A Fatal Accident Inquiry is to be held into the death of a farmer in the Scottish Borders.
John Kirk, who lived at Bettyfield Farm, near Smailholm, died in September last year, following an accident in which he became trapped on the metal grate step of a combine harvester.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin court proceedings to determine the cause and circumstances of the death of the 83-year-old.
The FAI will look at 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.
A Preliminary Hearing is scheduled to take place at Selkirk Sheriff Court on August 5th.
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Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s independent deaths investigation authority, said: “The death of John Kirk occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.
“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.
“Mr Kirk’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
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