A Fatal Accident Inquiry is set to begin into the death of a knife killer who was serving a life sentence in an Ayrshire prison. 

Brendan Reilly, 34, was found dead in his cell within HMP Bowhouse, also known as HMP Kilmarnock, on the morning of June 11, 2021. 

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to begin the court process for a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death.

The inquiry is mandatory, and a preliminary hearing will be held on May 15 at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.  

Reilly was behind bars for killing David Wilson on a street in Port Glasgow in 2005.

Reilly stabbed his 20-year-old victim to death just hours after being released from Polmont Young Offenders Institute, where he'd served time for knife possession.

He was 19 at the time of the attack, with the fatal assault occurring following a long-running feud in the area.

The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths 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.   

The inquiry will explore the circumstances of Mr Reilly’s death with an anticipated focus on SPS guidance in relation to morning checks and how management ensure compliance with the guidance. 

The inquiry is also expected to consider the issue of drugs supply within the prison and policies and procedures in place to limit same, both then and now.   

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said:   “The death of Brendan Reilly occurred while in legal custody 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.”