Ross Fairweather

Jenna Sharp v The Scottish Ministers 2019 SC EDIN 92
The pursuer slipped on ice in the defender’s prison car park. Following a commission, 6 further days of evidence, and a day of submissions, the court granted decree of absolvitor. At an opposed motion hearing on expenses, Court awarded an additional fee of 30% to the defenders.

FAI into the death of Robert William Nobbs [2019] FAI 24
The deceased died by suicide while being held on remand at HMP Low Moss. Following five days of evidence, the Court found that there had been a defect in a system of working (namely the prison's inability to provide the deceased with a daily regime), and that this defect contributed to the death. However, the Sheriff did not make any formal recommendations.

FAI into the death of Mark Allan [2020] FAI 8
The deceased died as a result of a drugs overdose while in custody at HMP Perth. Having been satisfied that the SPS had done all that they reasonably could to prevent the misuse of drugs in prison, the Sheriff found that there were no precautions which could reasonably have been taken to prevent the death.

Gavin Prior v Forth Boat Tours 2021 SC EDIN 19
The pursuer suffered a hand injury in the course of his employment as a barman with the defender. Following a 3-day proof, the court granted decree of absolvitor with expenses.

Alexander Gemmell v The Scottish Ministers 2022 SC GLW 16
The pursuer suffered a knee injury while relocating and restraining a prisoner at HMP Barlinnie. Following a 10-day proof at Glasgow Sheriff Court, the court granted decree of absolvitor. At an opposed motion hearing on expenses, the Court awarded the defender an additional fee of 80%.

Jacqueline Napier v Axa Insurance 2023 SC EDIN 20
At an opposed motion hearing on expenses, the Court modified the pursuer’s entitlement to expenses by 50% as a result of the pursuer’s failure to adhere to critical stages of the compulsory pre-action protocol.

NM v TO and AO 2025 SC EDIN 39
The pursuer raised proceedings against her landlords after her two young children were scalded in a bath. After a 6-day proof, and a day of submissions, the court granted decree of absolvitor. The decision was upheld on an appeal to the Sheriff Appeal Court: (2025) SAC (Civ) 14.