Sheriff recommends Police Scotland make changes after death of man in Aberdeen flat

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) has ended with police chiefs being urged to make changes to the way they process 999 calls.

The hearing was held following the death of Jamie Forbes, 37, in Aberdeen in January 2024.

He fell to his death from a 12th-floor window at Elphinstone Court after being tortured for two days.

The FAI heard neighbours called 999 for help after hearing screams.

However the call handler passed on incorrect information to police on the ground which resulted in Jamie not getting the help that could have saved his life.

Today a 99-page determination from Sheriff Principal Andrew Miller made two recommendations to address the failings which could have prevented his death.

The first recommendation says Police Scotland should introduce guidance for service advisors that minimises the scope for mis-recording information reported over the phone by members of the public. This guidance would give call handlers the ability to double check information before it is passed on to those who take action.

The second calls for guidance to be introduced by Police Scotland to clarify the circumstances around "concern for person" calls and what efforts are made to contact the person who made the call to police before enquiries are brought to an end. Additionally, this new guidance should clarify who is responsible for making contact with the person who raised the alarm.

These were made by the Sheriff after ruling that if cops made an effort to contact the neighbour who first reported concerns then there would have been an opportunity to correct any wrong information logged by the 999 call handler.

Jamie’s sister, Lyndsay-Anne Forbes, has fought for nearly three years to uncover the truth of what happened and called for the introduction of Jamie’s Law – a rule that would prevent police from closing an enquiry until they’ve made contact with either the vulnerable person or the person who made the distress call.

She feels the ruling supports her campaign.

Reacting to the findings, Lyndsay-Anne said: “It’s been 998 days since Jamie died and since then I have campaigned to get answers for him. 

“He did everything you’re supposed to do, he called for help when he was in trouble and would have believed the police would help.

“I can’t bear to think how he felt when he realised no one was coming and he was alone.

“Hearing the evidence from the witnesses who tried to save Jamie when he was crying out for help broke my heart. 

“My brother didn’t deserve to suffer like that, he was a kind and gentle man who loved his family.

“The recommendations show there need to be changes made to how calls from the public are recorded and how police deal with those calls. 

“This proves there is a need for “Jamie’s Law” which would ensure officers called out to concern for person can’t leave until they find the person in distress.

“I will forever be traumatised by what happened to my big brother.

“I just hope the recommendations are taken seriously so no other person has to suffer like Jamie did.”

Richard Pitts, Partner with the firm’s Non- Accidental Team, has been supporting her throughout the process.

He added: “What happened to Jamie was utterly horrendous and I commend Lyndsay-Anne for her strength and resolve during her fight to uncover the truth of what happened and help protect others.

“The determination will now be considered in full and we will continue to support Jamie’s family with their next steps.”