'Catalogue of failings': Family of Alan Geddes murdered by newly released prisoner condemns authorities

March 08, 2023

The family of a dad murdered by a newly released prisoner has accused authorities of being guilty of a "catalogue of failings".

Stuart Quinn, a violent criminal with a history of psychotic episodes, stabbed dad-of-one Alan Geddes 40 times in Aberdeen in 2019 - hours after he was freed from jail.

An official report, due to be published on Thursday, examined how prison, council and health officials handled the killer's quick and unplanned release.

The paper, written by the Mental Welfare Commission, reveals Quinn was not given a support package or accommodation by officials despite his distressed manner. It concludes that it is "likely to have impacted the outcome".

The copy of the report, which was provided by the victim's family, suggests if aspects of his NHS mental health care "were acted on", in the years leading up to the fatal knife attack, it could have mitigated the risks.

Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Alan's sister Sandra Geddes said she is furious at the findings.

She said: "This report is a catalogue of failings. It's almost as if we are enabling them to go out and do it."

The report also reveals the system to prepare inmates for release and reintegration to society had been temporarily suspended three months before Quinn was freed due to "operational pressures".

It suggests staff had been redeployed away from the 'throughcare' support service.

Ms Geddes claims authorities "couldn't make up their mind" if Quinn - who has now been jailed for at least 18 years - was a danger to the public.

She said: "I am angry that my brother would have still been here. It was a death that didn't have to take place. My brother wouldn't have had to suffer the way he did."

The report claims the Scottish Prison Service had identified "inconsistencies and gaps" in how it handles inmates like Quinn. However, revised Scottish government plans will not be in place until 2024.

Scottish Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden has been working with Ms Geddes as she campaigns for answers.

He told Sky News: "It is a damning report. It just shows systematic failures. There are failures across our NHS and social care partnership, failures in our justice system and it's quite clear that Stuart Quinn should never have been released back into society.

"That allowed him to go and murder Alan Geddes. It should never have happened."

The Scottish Prison Service said it worked worked with a "range of agencies" after people were freed from prison.

"Whilst we do not comment on individual cases, we endeavour to ensure that individuals liberated from custody have appropriate support networks in place, to aid their transition back into the community," a spokesperson said.

"We work with a range of agencies to enable the continuity of service provision for those leaving our care.

"We will continue to work with the Scottish government and community partners, to ensure individuals have the best possible chance for successful reintegration."

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "We will carefully consider this report before responding formally. Our thoughts continue to be with the family of the victim of this tragic event."

A spokesperson for NHS Grampian said: "We note the findings of the report and will action the recommendations within the timeframe set out."

Rate this item
(0 votes)

HOW TO LISTEN

103.5 & 105.3FM

Online

Mobile Apps

Smart Speaker