DEATH PROBES

Two prisoners die within the space of a few days at separate Scottish jails

TWO prisoners have died within the space of a few days at separate Scottish jails.

An investigation has been launched after the Scottish Prison Service confirmed both deaths.

Firstly, Connor McHugh passed away suddenly at HMP Kilmarnock on Tuesday, September 8.

The Daily Record say that the 29-year-old’s death is not being treated as suspicious by the prison nor police.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry will be held to find out the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

The Scottish Prison Service confirmed McHugh’s passing and said that the matter had been reported to cops.

McHugh was convicted at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in February this year.

This was after threatening to kill a bus driver at Cumnock Bus Station.

The prisoner admitted the charges and was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

The 29-year-old also placed on a restriction of liberty order.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service said: “Connor McHugh, 29, a prisoner from HMP Kilmarnock has died.

“He was convicted at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in 2020.

“Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal."

Most recently, Reese Fairgrieve was found dead in his cell at HMP Perth yesterday.

It is reported that the 23-year-old's death is being treated as drugs-related.

Although, a full investigation has been launched by the prison service to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

Fairgrieve, from Glenrothes, was jailed for causing a drunken rammy in the kitchen of a McDonald’s restaurant.

He admitted being in possession of a blade, making violent threats, shouting and swearing and challenging shocked onlookers to a fight.

Fairgrieve was sent back to prison to serve 180 days of a previous jail term and given a further 208 days behind bars for the August offence.

This time, a Police Scotland spokesman confirmed the death, commenting: “Police were informed of the death of a prisoner at HM Prison Perth around 12pm on Sunday, 13 September, 2020.

“There does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Tributes from friends flooded in on social media this morning for Reese.

One said: "Reese Fairgrieve lost for words bro."

Another wrote: "Refusing to believe it Reese Fairgrieve, I’m absolutely devastated man I was with you a couple weeks ago."

And a third added: "Gutted you're gone Reese Fairgrieve I've no words."

The Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland have been contacted for comment on both incidents.