Jail death probe for serial Scots rapist who died days after sentencing

The death of a serial Scots rapist who died behind bars just days after sentencing is to be probed by a Sheriff.

Stephen Charters, 57, was found dead in his cell at HMP Edinburgh in Saughton after he became unwell and collapsed on June 19, 2022. The monster died just days after he was caged for a series of sexual offences, including rapes against four women, which took place between 1984 and 2015.

Charters, who was previously a worship leader, was found guilty of the sick crimes during a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. He was jailed for five years and was also the subject of an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).

Speaking during sentencing, Detective Inspector Jonny Wright said: “I would like to commend the victims for coming forward. Despite the passage of time, they were able to give us information which allowed detectives to carry out this investigation.

"Had it not been for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence in court, Charters could have gone unpunished. Charters denied these crimes, but extensive work carried out by officers and partners, including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), means that he has now been brought to justice.

"This case is an example of no matter when the incident happened, Police Scotland will always thoroughly investigate and we are here to listen and support victims and have specially trained officers to carry out inquiries.

“We continue to be committed to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice and time is no barrier for our enquiries. I would urge anyone who wishes to report sexual crime, regardless of when it happened, to contact us so we can conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into his death will take place on October 14 and 15 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The purpose of a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) includes determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the deaths occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the death of Stephen Charters occurred while in legal custody and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory. The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.”

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