Inquiry into death of tortured man who jumped from Aberdeen flat

A fatal accident inquiry will be held into the death of a man who jumped from a 12th floor flat after being tortured for two days.

Jamie Forbes, 37, was abducted and held against his will at his flat in Elphinstone Court, Aberdeen, in January 2024.

Lee Smith, 37, admitted culpable homicide at the High Court in Edinburgh and was jailed for eight years in December.

During court proceedings it emerged that multiple witnesses called 999 after hearing cries for help and police had attended the block of flats.

Officers carried out door-to-door enquiries, but were unable to trace where Mr Forbes’ cries were coming from.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said it has decided that an inquiry would be in the public interest.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations said: “Jamie’s family will be kept informed of what will happen next including timescales for court hearings.”

The criminal trial into Mr Forbes’ death heard that the abuse inflicted on him was so bad that he had no other option but to jump out the window.

Smith repeatedly struck his victim with a hammer and punched and kicked him during the attack, before Mr Forbes made the jump that ended his life.

His body was found on the ground on 15 January 2024.

In a statement at the time of his death, Mr Forbes’ family said he was “much-loved”.