Lord Advocate Holds Meeting with Grieving Widow Amid Ongoing Jenners Fire Inquiries
The Lord Advocate of Scotland, Dorothy Bain KC, has personally met with the widow of firefighter Barry Martin, who tragically lost his life in the devastating 2023 Jenners department store blaze in Edinburgh. This meeting comes as investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death continue, now entering their third year.
Widow's Frustration Over "Unacceptable" Delays
Shelley Martin, Barry's widow, recently voiced strong criticism regarding what she described as "unacceptable" delays in the inquiries into her husband's death. Barry Martin, aged 38, died on January 27, 2023, after sustaining critical injuries while combating a massive fire at the historic Jenners building earlier that week. A newly qualified firefighter, his loss has left his family, including twin sons, devastated.
Last month, Mrs. Martin publicly called upon the Lord Advocate to intervene and expedite decisions concerning potential criminal investigations stemming from the fatal incident. Her legal representative, Aamer Anwar, stated that Mrs. Martin believes her husband was "unprepared and underequipped" and should never have been deployed into the burning structure.
Lord Advocate's Statement and Commitment
Following the meeting held in Glasgow on Thursday, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC issued a detailed statement. She expressed recognition of the "deep loss and enduring pain" experienced by Shelley Martin and her family, alongside the "frustrations" felt as the investigative processes drag on.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is engaged in complex and detailed work to establish the full facts of Barry Martin's death, examining questions of criminal responsibility and safety issues. However, Bain emphasized that a final decision can only be reached once all pertinent information, including reports, expert opinions, and evidence, is fully available and thoroughly considered.
Awaiting Crucial Report from Fire Service
A key development highlighted by the Lord Advocate is the imminent expectation of a report from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). This document is essential before any determinations regarding potential criminality can be made. The Crown Office anticipates receiving this report shortly.
Mr. Anwar, speaking after the meeting, clarified that the Lord Advocate attributed delays primarily to the SFRS. He noted that the fire service has a statutory duty to investigate fires but has repeatedly taken years to deliver reports to the Crown Office. The central issue under scrutiny is whether the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, or other parties, bear criminal responsibility for the firefighter's death.
Anwar further revealed that the Lord Advocate's office has written to the chief fire officer, who has advised that the awaited report will be available by mid-April. This report is crucial to understanding cause and effect, thereby enabling the Crown to decide on the possibility of criminal prosecutions.
Ongoing Process and Future Steps
The Lord Advocate reaffirmed COPFS's commitment to providing regular updates on the progress of the investigation. She assured that there will be another meeting with Shelley Martin in the near future to continue communication.
Mr. Anwar concluded by stating that the failure to deliver justice over the past three years has only compounded the grief of Shelley Martin and her family. He expressed gratitude for the Lord Advocate's "candour, compassion and support" during their discussion.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment regarding these allegations of delay and the ongoing investigation into the Jenners fire tragedy.
