A date has been set for a preliminary hearing into the death of a young boy who fell down a manhole in Glasgow.

Shea Ryan climbed down a ladder inside the hole at a construction site near his Drumchapel home, which he managed to get to through an insecure fence.

He had been playing in a nearby park with friends and told them he 'wanted to go down'. 

The 10-year-old slipped and fell into the water below the ladder and died from a head injury by drowning on July 16, 2020. 

Contractor RJ McLeod was responsible for the construction site where the incident happened.

Glasgow Times:

The firm, based near the city’s Carmyle, pleaded guilty in April of this year to failing to ensure people not in their employment were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.

They were fined £860,000.

Now it has been revealed that a hearing will take place next month to begin the fatal accident inquiry into Shea's death.

Glasgow Times:

According to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), a date has been fixed for November 24, 2023, at Glasgow Sheriff Court. 

Following the outcome of the proceedings against RJ McLeod earlier this year, Shea's mum Joanne Ferguson said that she felt his death was 'totally avoidable'.

Speaking via Digby Brown, she said: “I am glad RJ McLeod finally admitted guilt.

“My son is not here and that destroys me every day.

“That totally avoidable accident has ruined my life and my kid’s lives – I don’t even feel human anymore at times because of the grief.

“Wee Shea is missed every second of every day and his family and friends will always love and miss him.”