Horrific Death Leap in Aberdeen: Sheriff to Investigate Torture Escape Tragedy

Jamie Forbes, aged 37, tragically lost his life after being subjected to two days of torture by Lee Smith, also 37, in Aberdeen last year.

The tragic death of Jamie Forbes, who leapt from a high-rise building in Aberdeen to escape his captor, is set to be examined by a Sheriff.

Jamie Forbes, 37, was forcibly confined by Lee Smith, also 37, within a residence at Elphinstone Court from January 14 to January 15 of the previous year. During this period, Forbes suffered severe physical abuse including being hit with a hammer, punched, and kicked.

The severity of the abuse Forbes endured left him with no choice but to escape through a window, resulting in his fatal fall. Throughout his ordeal, screams for help were heard from someone on the 10th floor of the building.

Forbes’ body was discovered on the ground on January 15, 2024. Upon investigating Smith’s apartment, police found evidence of blood throughout the premises.

Smith later pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and received an eight-year prison sentence from the High Court in Edinburgh in December last year.

Following this tragic incident, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has confirmed that a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding Forbes’ death. A preliminary session is scheduled for October 7 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

The Lord Advocate has determined that a discretionary probe into the full details of the case is warranted based on public interest.

This decision comes after a detailed and independent review by the Procurator Fiscal, culminating in Smith’s conviction.

Andy Shanks, a Procurator Fiscal specializing in death investigations for COPFS, remarked: “The circumstances surrounding the death of James Forbes have raised significant public concern, prompting the Lord Advocate to order a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry.”

“The submission of the First Notice marks the commencement of FAI proceedings under the Sheriff’s guidance. This inquiry will provide a public forum to thoroughly examine and independently judge the evidence gathered during the fiscal’s investigation,” added Shanks.

“We will continue to keep James’ family informed about major developments throughout the court proceedings,” he continued.

At the sentencing, Lady Hood addressed Smith, mentioning a victim impact statement given by Mr. Forbes’ sister. She expressed the deep love for Forbes and the profound impact his loss had on the family, stating, “No sentence I impose can truly compensate for the grief and suffering endured.”

The Forbes family described Jamie as a deeply cherished family member, whose absence has left an irreplaceable void in their lives.