INQUIRY UNDER THE FATAL ACCIDENTS AND INQUIRIES (SCOTLAND) ACT 1976 INTO THE SUDDEN DEATH OF DANIELLE LORRAINE SCOTT [2009] ScotSC 131 (30 July 2009)

INQUIRY UNDER THE FATAL ACCIDENTS AND INQUIRIES (SCOTLAND) ACT 1976 INTO THE SUDDEN DEATH OF DANIELLE LORRAINE SCOTT [2009] ScotSC 131 (30 July 2009)

Danielle Scott's death was caused by acute methadone and alcohol poisoning, resulting from her own actions. There were no reasonable medical or social care steps that could have avoided her death. The psychiatric assessment and care provided were appropriate, and returning her to secure accommodation was not justified. Reporting systems and methadone prescription practices did not materially contribute to her death.

Citation
[2009] ScotSC 131
Parties
Crown: Elizabeth A Paton; Mother of the Deceased: Marian Gilmore QC; Greater Glasgow Health Board: G F Coll; Dr Anne Greer: Hugh R Donald; City of Edinburgh Council: John P Campbell; East Dunbartonshire Council: Diane M McGowan; Lothian & Borders Police: Roderick A S Jackson
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
30 July 2009
Procedural Posture
Fatal Accident Inquiry / Final Determination
Outcome
No recommendations or findings under section 6(1)(c) or (e). Death caused by acute methadone and alcohol poisoning. Medical and social care were appropriate.
Legal Topics
Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry, Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Duty of Care, Secure Accommodation, Methadone Prescription, Reporting Missing Persons
Public Law Health Law Child Protection Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry Mental Health Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Duty of Care Secure Accommodation +2 more

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Parties

Elizabeth A Paton

Crown

Marian Gilmore QC

Mother of the Deceased

G F Coll

Greater Glasgow Health Board

Hugh R Donald

Dr Anne Greer

John P Campbell

City of Edinburgh Council

Diane M McGowan

East Dunbartonshire Council

Roderick A S Jackson

Lothian & Borders Police

Procedural Posture

Fatal Accident Inquiry / Final Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Danielle Scott's death could have been avoided by different medical diagnosis or treatment
  2. 2 Whether returning Danielle to secure accommodation would have prevented her death
  3. 3 Adequacy of reporting systems for missing persons

Ratio Decidendi

Danielle Scott's death was caused by acute methadone and alcohol poisoning, resulting from her own actions. There were no reasonable medical or social care steps that could have avoided her death. The psychiatric assessment and care provided were appropriate, and returning her to secure accommodation was not justified. Reporting systems and methadone prescription practices did not materially contribute to her death.

Court Disposition

No recommendations or findings under section 6(1)(c) or (e). Death caused by acute methadone and alcohol poisoning. Medical and social care were appropriate.