A DISGRACED former youth football coach died from heart complications in a Clacks prison, a sheriff has found.

Sheriff Alison Michie presided over a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the death of convicted sex offender James McCafferty.

The results - which have just been made public and follow his death on November 19, 2022 - showed that McCafferty died from complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in HMP Glenochil.

At the time, he was serving a six year, nine month sentence after pleading guilty to indecent assault, lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour and breach of the peace.

He was transferred from HMP Addiewell in Livingston to HMP Glenochil in November 2021.

Historically, McCafferty had also admitted to child sex abuse offences against 10 teenage boys between 1972 and 1996.

The 76-year-old carried out part of this abuse while working as a coach and kit man for the Celtic youth team and also working for the Celtic Boys Club.

Sheriff Michie stated: “At the date of his death, Mr McCafferty was subject to checks every two hours by carers accompanied by prison officers.

“Two prison officers accompanied by two healthcare assistants checked on Mr McCafferty at 10pm on November 18, 2022 and at midnight and 2am on November 19, 2022.

“On each occasion Mr McCafferty was sleepy but alert and made no complaint of feeling unwell.

“The same four witnesses checked on Mr McCafferty at 4am on November 19 2022 and at that time, he was found to be deceased.

“Mr McCafferty was not breathing, was cooler to the touch and slight mottling was observed on his right forearm.”

Throughout his time in prison, the paedophile suffered from dementia, hypertension, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a benign tumour to his left frontal lobe.

He also had a background of multiple strokes, a pulmonary embolism, frequent falls, sepsis and fracture to C1 vertebrae.

A 'Do Not Administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation' (DNACPR) had been placed on McCafferty in December 2021, preventing prison staff from calling an ambulance.

Sheriff Michie added: “Mr McCafferty suffered from complex health needs which had been of long standing.

“In light of his deteriorating health, a DNACPR had been put in place in December 2021. In July 2022, Mr McCafferty had been assessed as approaching end of life and it was agreed that he should not be admitted to hospital for any further intervention.

“I conclude by offering my condolences to the friends and family of Mr McCafferty."