Family members of Alan Geddes, a man killed by Stuart Quinn just a day after his release from prison, are initiating legal proceedings against several authorities. Geddes, 56, was fatally stabbed multiple times by Quinn in December 2019 after offering him shelter in his Aberdeen home.

Quinn had sought refuge at a homeless unit following his release but found it closed. Afterward, he was taken in by Geddes, who had a background in offshore life support. Following the incident, Quinn was sentenced to at least 18 years for the murder.

The victim’s family is filing a damages claim in the Court of Session against the Scottish Prison Service, the Scottish government, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen City Council, and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland reported last year that Geddes’s death might have been avoided if Quinn had been provided with housing upon his release from incarceration.

Upon being released from prison, Quinn was reportedly emotional and expected to receive assistance for personal issues. He struck up a conversation with Geddes and was offered financial help for a hotel stay; however, when that fell through, he was welcomed into Geddes’s flat on Ruthrieston Crescent.

Witnesses reported hearing Quinn shout for police shortly after the attack. When authorities arrived, they found Geddes severely injured at the bottom of stairs. Police apprehended Quinn as he discarded the weapon and confessed to the crime.

An investigation by the Mental Welfare Commission revealed that Quinn had experienced multiple short stays in psychiatric facilities prior to his release and had been diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis. Despite these issues, he was released without any support or accommodation arranged.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service announced that no fatal accident inquiry would take place following the incident. In response to this decision, Sandra Geddes, Alan’s sister, expressed her determination to pursue justice for her brother. She emphasized that their legal action aims to highlight systemic failures rather than assign blame directly.

Craig Snee from Thompsons Solicitors stated that the family seeks accountability and compensation following this tragic event. He noted that there appear to be significant oversights in handling Quinn’s case that could have potentially prevented such a loss of life.

The Scottish Prison Service expressed condolences to Geddes’s family but refrained from commenting further due to ongoing legal matters. Both the Scottish government and Aberdeen City Council also declined to comment on the active civil case. NHS Grampian acknowledged that legal action has been initiated against them and is being managed by their legal office.