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Jenners Fire Widow Demands Faster Decision From Prosecutors

Prosecutors are still assessing Health and Safety Executive reports with no charging decision announced.

Overview

  • Shelley Martin urged the Lord Advocate to intervene, calling delays unacceptable and saying she was told a decision might not come until autumn.
  • The Crown Office confirmed it has received two prosecution reports from the Health and Safety Executive and said the investigation remains active.
  • Mrs Martin and her lawyer allege Barry Martin was sent in unprepared as the least experienced member of a four-person breathing apparatus team, with reporting stating his equipment was damaged shortly after entry and his distress alarm later activated.
  • Barry Martin, 38, died in hospital four days after being critically injured while responding to the January 27, 2023 fire at the former Jenners department store in Edinburgh.
  • The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it is cooperating fully with external investigations and declined to address specific claims, while a civil action against SFRS and contractor Chamic Industrial Services is proceeding.