Death of Andy Selmour in Melrose Prison: Staff Shortages and Medical Negligence Discussed
An inmate superintendent, currently suspended amid an internal investigation, believes that medical negligence occurred on December 9, 2025, when Andy Selmour died in Melrose Prison. Additionally, an assistant superintendent recounted his trauma following the incident. They testified on Friday, March 6, as part of the inquiry into Andy Selmour's death.
The prison superintendent stated that there was an increased staff shortage on December 9, 2025. Furthermore, the medical unit did not deem it an emergency. He confirmed that there was no ambulance available that day, and it was only after reviewing the surveillance footage that they realized Andy Selmour had been assaulted.
Medical Emergency
According to the superintendent, the Health Officer should have contacted the Emergency Medical Assistance Service (SAMU), which did not happen. The senior officer insisted that they did everything within the prison’s capacity, but luck was not on their side.
A Prison Officer testified about the sequence of events at the medical unit that evening. When prison guards arrived to transport Andy Selmour to the hospital, he was unresponsive. All resuscitation attempts were futile, and the SAMU doctor pronounced Andy Selmour dead.
The Prison Officer stated that working in the prison has become increasingly difficult since the incident on July 17, 2025. Guards have reportedly faced verbal abuse and threats. He confirmed that they feel demotivated.
An assistant prison superintendent (ASP) mentioned hearing screams from inmates near the prison hospital. Upon investigating, he saw inmates carrying Andy Selmour to the prison hospital. He noted that Selmour did not appear to be in a normal state. The ASP observed that Andy Selmour was lying on his back and was agitated. This scene traumatized him, and he learned the next day that Andy Selmour had died.
The ASP's lawyer, Me Viren Ramchurn, requested the inquiry commission to view the surveillance footage, specifying that his client is undergoing treatment. The hearings will resume on March 9, 2026.
