William Eichler 29 March 2019

Police investigate after council workers lock a body in apartment

A Scottish council has said it is supporting the police in their investigations after the body of Michael Stewart was locked into his apartment in Aberdeen.

Mr Stewart’s mother Jane Grant reported her son missing on 7 January after her other son David said he had not seen him for several weeks.

Council workers carried out a welfare check on Mr Stewart and padlocked his apartment, apparently unaware that his body was inside.

The 32-year-old, who suffered from epilepsy, was not found until police broke into his flat on 8 March.

The cause of death has not been confirmed but it is not being treated as suspicious.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: ‘We have spoken to the family of Michael Stewart and our thoughts remain with all those affected by his death.

‘A report has been submitted by Police Scotland to the Procurator Fiscal and Aberdeen City Council has supported police in their investigations.

‘We have carried out a review of the council’s actions and can confirm the property was locked in February following an insecure external door being reported.

‘We are committed to updating our procedures in relation to securing properties that are believed to be vacant.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Cumberland Council
£188,227
Cumberland is a special place Cumbria
Recuriter: Cumberland Council

Head of Operational Services

South Derbyshire District Council
Head of Operational Services
South Derbyshire District Council is seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Head of Operational Services Derbyshire
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council

Service Director – Property and Business Support Services

South Gloucestershire Council
£86,955 – £94,552 per annum
You’ll have a rare opportunity to influence how an entire council uses its assets Gloucestershire
Recuriter: South Gloucestershire Council

Assistant Director – Transformation & Commissioning

North Somerset Council
£90,249 – £107,028
North Somerset is ambitious, forward-thinking and committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable services for its communities. Somerset
Recuriter: North Somerset Council

Executive Director Housing and Communities

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£178,000
At Kensington & Chelsea, we are transforming services Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner