The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of roofer William Matthews.
The 57-year-old, the owner and director of a roofing and plastering business based in Paisley, Scotland, died on 5 August 2024 from injuries suffered after falling from the roof of a cottage in Kilmacolm. A preliminary hearing is set for 26 May 2026 within Paisley Sheriff Court.
The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish 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.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The death of William Matthews 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 Matthews’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
