Sodexo and NHS Lothian plead guilty over prisoner’s ‘agonising’ Covid death

Workers’ Rights / 6 November 2026 Unions hail new laws forcing employers to include salary in job ads 6 November 2026 Industrial / 6 November 2026 Unions begin consultation process with university amid risk to 188 jobs 6 November 2026 Healthcare / 6 November 2026 Emergency care for dying people grows as people left with ‘nowhere else to turn’ 6 November 2026 Britain / 6 November 2026 Two policemen accused of injuring man detained under Mental Health Act 6 November 2026 Industrial / 6 November 2026 Tube drivers to strike over Christmas in long-running dispute 6 November 2026 Britain / 6 November 2026 Greens accuse Scottish Labour of minimum wage betrayal 6 November 2026 A COMPANY running a private prison and a Scottish health board have pleaded guilty to criminal charges after the death of a prisoner who contracted Covid-19.

After investigating around 6,000 deaths related to the pandemic, the Crown Office’s decision to press charges against NHS Lothian and prison operator Sodexo is thought to be the first of its kind in Scotland.

Calum Inglis, 34, had been serving a short sentence at HMP Addiewell near West Calder, but on October 12, 2021 — just 10 weeks before he was due to be released — he tested positive for Covid-19.

Asthmatic and unvaccinated, his condition rapidly deteriorated, reporting breathlessness and coughing up significant amounts of blood over the following week.

Repeated requests made for medical attention through his cell intercom over the last four days of his life were met with promises from prison officers that someone would see him in the morning — but no-one came.

On October 24, having never seen a nurse, Mr Inglis was found in his cell after suffering what his family described as an “agonising” death.

As the prosecution under health and safety legislation got underway today at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Julius Komorowski offered condolences to Mr Inglis’s family, present as the guilty pleas were entered.

“This death must seem senseless,” he said.

Following the hearing, Mr Anwar branded HMP Addiewell “not fit for purpose,” and called for Sodexo’s contract to be cancelled.

“Calum had a right to life, but his family believe he was treated worse than an animal,” he said.

“Left caged, terrified and alone, repeatedly pressing at intercom, screaming for help, coughing up blood.

“He was left to die alone and without dignity for 12 days, without any support from prison officers or healthcare staff from Lothian health board.”

His mother Jennifer Inglis, a former nurse, said: “He was not just a prisoner. He was my son, a brother, an uncle, and a nephew. He was loved, he mattered.

“He deserved compassion, dignity, and proper medical care.”

A Sodexo spokesperson said it “extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Calum Inglis,” while NHS Lothian “unreservedly” apologised.

Its medical director Dr Tracey Gillies added: “NHS Lothian conducted a review following his death to ensure that lessons were learned and to prevent a repeat of similar circumstances.”

Pandemic / 20 October 2026 Covid report ‘must establish responsibility for decisions’ in care home deaths 20 October 2026 NHS Crisis / 2 September 2026 Most nurses have given end-of-life care in corridor, survey finds 2 September 2026 Industrial / 7 January 2026 Sodexo workers resumes strikes at Shetlands-based oil and gas export hub 7 January 2026 Features / 27 November 2025 Fears mount for life of US teenager held in Israeli prison 27 November 2025 Groups are urging the US government to secure the 16-year old’s release as his mental and physical health decline dramatically after nine months inside Ofer prison, writes LINDA PENTZ GUNTER