Family of Murder Victim Initiates Legal Proceedings for Damages

The family of a “good Samaritan” who was killed by an individual released from prison just one day prior has initiated legal proceedings against several official bodies. Alan Geddes, a 56-year-old father, suffered 40 stab wounds at the hands of Stuart Quinn in December 2019, after offering Quinn accommodation in his Aberdeen residence. Following his release, Quinn had attempted to access a homeless facility, which was closed, leading Mr Geddes to offer him shelter. Quinn received a sentence of at least 18 years in prison for the homicide. The victim’s family is currently pursuing a claim for damages in the Court of Session, naming the Scottish Prison Service, the Scottish government, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen City Council, and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service as respondents. In the previous year, the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland determined that Mr Geddes’ death might have been avoidable if Quinn had been provided with housing upon his release from incarceration. Reports indicated that Quinn was “upset and crying” upon his release and was scheduled to receive assistance for personal difficulties. Subsequently, he encountered Mr Geddes, a former offshore life support worker, and they engaged in conversation. Mr Geddes proposed paying for Quinn’s hotel stay, but the hotel had no vacancies. Consequently, he permitted Quinn to enter his apartment located on Ruthrieston Crescent in the city. A resident subsequently reported hearing Quinn shout: “Call the police, there’s been a killing.” Mr Geddes was discovered at the base of the stairs, having sustained “multiple and significant” injuries. Law enforcement officers arrived to find Quinn holding a knife, which he then discarded, and he confessed to his actions. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland conducted an inquiry into the events preceding the homicide. The anonymised report indicated that Quinn, identified as Mr TU, had four relatively short stays in a psychiatric hospital between March and June 2018, at the age of 32, and was diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis. During each hospitalisation, he exhibited paranoid delusional beliefs and was held under the Mental Health Act. Quinn spent the majority of 2019 incarcerated, and in December of that year, a court ordered his release without any established support package or housing. The report stated that there was no assurance that additional violent acts by Quinn could have been averted. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service announced that a fatal accident inquiry would not take place. The family is currently proceeding with legal action. Sandra Geddes, the victim’s sister, expressed her resolve to continue advocating for her brother. She informed BBC Scotland News: “It’s been a rollercoaster of trying to find answers.” “When I started to hear about Quinn I knew there were things that needed to come out – that it was wrong what happened.” “There’s no blame here. It’s about recognising the mistakes that were made and saying yes, the mistakes were made, and this is what we are doing.” “The only way I now feel I can get some accountability is through court action.” She further stated: “Alan would have been right behind me – that’s how I will keep going.” Craig Snee, representing Thompsons Solicitors, indicated that the family seeks answers, accountability, and financial redress following an “utterly tragic loss.” He commented: “They had been pushing for a fatal accident inquiry, which has been denied, so these are really the only steps they can possibly take, in order to obtain answers and to obtain justice for this horrible, horrible event.” Mr Snee stated that while an exact sum for the requested damages could not be specified, the aim was to secure a “substantial” amount for the family. “It appears when you look at the circumstances of the case that there have been failings on numerous different levels, that could easily have prevented the tragic events of what occurred.” “If they had been stopped, it would have meant that a family hadn’t lost a father, and a brother and a loved one.” The Scottish Prison Service issued a statement: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Geddes.” “As this is subject to ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.” The Scottish government commented: “Our thoughts continue to be with Alan Geddes’ family.” “As this is a live civil case, the Scottish government cannot comment.” Aberdeen City Council stated its inability to comment on current legal proceedings. NHS Grampian confirmed: “We can confirm legal action has been raised against us. It is being dealt with by the NHS Scotland Central Legal Office.” A representative for the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service verified the receipt and registration of a Personal Injuries Summons by the Court of Session. The statement further noted: “It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on this case ahead of the next scheduled hearing, which is for a four-day proof commencing on 13 May 2025.”