An investigation has been launched after a Dundee man was found dead in custody.
Scott Ross, who was 37, was found in his cell at HMP Perth by prison officers shortly before he was due to travel to Dundee Sheriff Court.
The Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit has launched an inquiry into Mr Ross’s death, which is not being treated as suspicious.
Mr Ross’s body was discovered on Thursday.
He had been remanded in custody at HMP Perth the previous week.
The Dundee resident had appeared in court nearly two weeks ago on a number of drugs-related charges.
Mr Ross, whose home address was listed as Court Street North, had been accused of refusing to spit out etizolam tablets and chewing them up instead.
He had been further accused of assaulting PC Kirsty Hawkes.
Prison bosses confirmed that they had contacted police on Thursday following the death of Mr Ross.
Any death in prison may lead to a fatal accident inquiry.
However the decision to hold an FAI is a matter for the Lord Advocate or procurator fiscal.
No cause of death is recorded where a death has not yet been determined following FAI.
A spokesman for the Scottish Prison Service said: “We can confirm that a death occurred in custody of a 37-year-old male at HMP Perth last week. Police were notified and the matter is subject to further investigation.”
A spokeswoman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed that it had received a report in connection with the death.
The spokeswoman said: “The procurator fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 37-year-old male at HMP Perth.
“The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU), is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”
A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland attended at HMP Perth on Thursday June 21 in response to the reported death of an inmate.
“There were no apparent suspicious circumstances and a report was submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
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