The Crown Office has definitively ruled that a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the murder of a baby girl will not take place.
Mark Simpson was jailed for 20 years in 2010 after he was found guilty of murdering tiny Alexis Matheson.
The 29-year-old had denied attacking his then-girlfriend’s daughter at their home in Northfield, Aberdeen, in 2007.
But a jury at the High Court in Aberdeen found him guilty of a campaign of cruelty which left little Alexis with 40 separate injuries, including severe brain damage.
In 2012 a significant case review into the lead-up to the tragedy was published and ruled that NHS Grampian staff could not have foreseen the infant’s death.
Then last year Sheriff Annella Cowan threw out an application to conduct a FAI into her death as she felt there was no need for it.
In turn, the Crown applied to conduct a FAI, claiming the outcome of the hearing could result in a nationwide review of how healthcare is administered to babies.
However, this evening – following a “careful review” of all the factors involved in this case – Crown Counsel said one would not go ahead following a review of the case by a distinguished High Court judge.
“The decision was made following discussions with Alexis’ family,” a spokesman said.
“The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry is to determine the cause of death and establish what lessons can be learned for the future.
“Crown Counsel are satisfied that the reasons for the death have already been established through the criminal prosecution process.
“Following that the Health Board ordered a Significant Case Review be undertaken by a retired English High Court Judge.
“Judge Llewellyn’s comprehensive review of the case has now been published. The review identified a number of learning points for general practice, across Scotland.
“Experts in the Crown Office’s Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit sought assurances from the NHS that the recommendations in the review would be implemented.
“We are satisfied that the information has now been shared across the NHS in Scotland.”