Inquiry date set over tortured man's flat fall death

A delayed fatal accident inquiry (FAI) after a tortured man fell to his death from a high-rise flat in Aberdeen is now set to be held in May.

Jamie Forbes, 37, was held against his will at a flat in Elphinstone Court for two days in January 2024 before plunging from a 12th-floor window.

The FAI had been due to start in-person on 19 January, however a clash with another inquiry meant it was set to be held as a virtual hearing.

Forbes' sister Lyndsay-Anne Forbes raised concerns, and a sheriff agreed earlier this month that fresh dates should be found so it could held in the in-person format in court that was originally planned. Rescheduled dates have now been assigned for 26-29 May.

Lee Smith, 37, was jailed for eight years in December 2024 after admitting culpable homicide.

Witnesses had called 999 after hearing cries for help, however when police carried out door-to-door inquiries they were not able to trace where the pleas had come from.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Hood heard the abuse inflicted on Forbes was so bad that he had no other option but to jump from the window.

Police later discovered the lock of the flat had been adjusted, meaning Forbes would not have been able to get out.

They found Smith washing up in the kitchen, and bloodstains through the flat. He had repeatedly hit his victim with a hammer, and punched and kicked him, during the attack.

Forbes' sister said her older brother would have believed help would arrive, and disputes that he jumped.

The inquiry had been due to be held in-person on 19-20 January and 26-27 January, in-person, at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

However, a remote preliminary heard earlier this month it would have to be changed to a remote Webex hearing.

This was because the FAI into the Stonehaven train derailment in which three men died in 2020 will be taking up significant court building space at the same time.

Sheriff Andrew Miller said it was unfortunate the issue had arisen.

At a fresh hearing on Tuesday morning, Sheriff Miller said he was grateful that fresh dates had now been identified to allow it to be held in-person.

A further preliminary hearing - to assess a planned expert report on window safety regulations compliance - will also held on 18 February ahead of the inquiry itself in May.