The family of a teenager who died almost 30 years ago have been refused a fresh investigation into his death.
Neil Riddel was 19 when his body was found in a field near his home in Keith, Banffshire, in July 1991.
A fatal accident inquiry ruled he had taken his own life but his relatives believe he died in police custody and was dumped there.
They say the apprentice blacksmith had lodged a complaint over an assault by an officer shortly before his death.
In December 2019, Neil’s family wrote to the Lord Advocate James Wolffe expressing “serious misgivings” over the police investigation and requested the Crown Office reopen it.
Neil’s brother Ian, 51, of Keith, has now been informed that their request has been turned down.
He said: “We’ve always been very unhappy with the police investigation into Neil’s death.
“We have never believed Neil committed suicide.
“We’d written to the Lord Advocate asking for the Crown Office to reopen it.
“It was an agonising and prolonged wait but our lawyer has just received a letter on behalf of the Lord Advocate refusing our request.
“The letter says the Lord Advocate is satisfied that the circumstances of Neil’s death have been fully investigated by the Crown.
“It stated there was no evidence there had been any foul play involved in Neil’s death and the Lord Advocate basically didn’t agree that our family had suffered a miscarriage of justice.
“It’s incredibly disappointing. We just don’t feel things add up.
“There are too many unanswered questions for us to honestly accept Neil’s death as a suicide.”
Tests showed Neil died from an overdose of antidepressants, with subsequent inquiries deciding there were no suspicious circumstances.
Ian said refusal by police to release details about the death fuelled concerns and the family have fought for years to uncover what they believe is the truth.
Neil’s mum Margaret died of cancer in December 1999, a year after his dad, also Ian, passed away.
Their son has vowed to never to give up fighting for justice for his brother.
He said: “I need to find out what really happened to Neil. I won’t give up till I have justice for my brother.”
A Crown Office spokesperson said: “Correspondence was received from solicitors representing the family of Neil Riddel raising concerns over the police investigation.
"These concerns were fully considered by the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit. Nothing new was uncovered.”
Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: “Neil’s death was investigated at the time.
“His death has been the subject of a fatal accident inquiry and further review by police.
“If any new information comes to light, it will be assessed.”
