Inquiry Into sheku Bayoh Death rocked By Chair’s Resignation
Kirkcaldy, Scotland – The family of Sheku Bayoh have publicly denounced Scotland’s legal and policing authorities, alleging a deliberate attempt to derail the inquiry into his death in custody after the chair of the inquiry, Lord Bracadale, unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday. The family claims the resignation was “forced” by a coordinated effort involving the solicitor general, a senior deputy prosecutor, and leaders from Police Scotland, supported by the Scottish Police Federation.
Aamer Anwar, the family’s lawyer, stated the resignation came about because of concerns regarding impartiality, empathy, and compassion, on behalf of the so-called ‘unholy trinity.’ The Bayoh family asserts that authorities actively sought to undermine Bracadale’s leadership.
The Case of Sheku Bayoh
Sheku Bayoh, 31, died in May 2015 while in police custody in Kirkcaldy, Fife. He had been restrained by officers responding to reports of a man with a knife behaving erratically. Bayoh sustained multiple injuries during the encounter. The family contends that positional asphyxia,caused by the restraint techniques employed by police,was the primary cause of death,and that racial bias influenced the officers’ actions.
Expert testimony presented to the inquiry indicated that the struggle while Bayoh was held by at least six officers was a critically important contributing factor to his death, bolstering the family’s claims.
Inquiry Disrupted by Legal Challenges
The public inquiry, which commenced in 2020 and has already exceeded £26 million in costs, has faced substantial disruption with Bracadale’s departure. The Scottish Police Federation initiated a judicial review last month, alleging apparent bias on the part of the chair.
Concerns raised by the solicitor general, Ruth Charteris, and the federation centred on allegations that Bracadale held private, unrecorded meetings with the Bayoh family and disclosed information not available to other inquiry participants. Bracadale consistently denied these accusations and refused to recuse himself.
However, in his resignation letter to the deputy first minister, Kate Forbes, Bracadale acknowledged that the judicial review had revealed persistent concerns regarding his conduct that could not be allayed.
The Bayoh family released a statement condemning what they described as a “desperate final act of sabotage,” accusing the federation of spending millions of public funds on a judicial review supported by the solicitor general and Police Scotland’s legal team.
Kadi Johnson, Bayoh’s sister, has urged the solicitor general to reconsider the decision not to prosecute the officers involved in her brother’s death. Anwar has also critiqued the Crown Office for alleged attempts to avoid scrutiny.
Anwar highlighted what he described as a double standard, noting that institutions attempted to influence the chair while reacting negatively when he engaged directly with the family. He further pointed out that similar meetings with families were conducted in the Covid and grenfell inquiries.
Johnson expressed gratitude for Bracadale’s “courage” and commitment to ensuring the voices of those impacted were heard.
David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, stated they anticipated a new chair would bring the matter to a resolution for all involved. he refrained from commenting directly on Anwar’s remarks, asserting the federation acted based on legal advice.
| Key Event | Date |
|---|---|
| sheku bayoh Dies in Police Custody | May 2015 |
| Public Inquiry Begins | 2020 |
| Judicial review Initiated by Police Federation | August 2023 |
| Inquiry Chair Resigns | January 2024 |
Understanding Police Custody Deaths in the UK
Deaths following police contact are a serious concern in the United Kingdom, prompting ongoing scrutiny and calls for greater accountability. According to data from the Autonomous Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), there were 17 deaths following contact with the police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2023. These cases often involve complex investigations to determine the cause of death and whether police actions contributed to the outcome.
Recent years have seen increased focus on the potential for racial bias in policing and the need for improved training in de-escalation techniques and appropriate use of force.The bayoh case is just one example of a tragedy that has fueled this debate. Families affected by police custody deaths often face lengthy and challenging inquiries, seeking answers and justice for their loved ones.
Did You Know? The IOPC is the independent body responsible for investigating serious complaints against the police in England and Wales.
Pro Tip: If you believe you or someone you know has been mistreated by the police, you have the right to file a complaint and seek legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sheku Bayoh Case
A: Positional asphyxia occurs when someone’s position restricts their breathing, often due to compression of the chest or neck.
A: Lord bracadale served as the chair of the public inquiry investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh.
A: The Federation claimed the inquiry chair exhibited bias, alleging he held unauthorized meetings with the Bayoh family.
A: The family alleges that Sheku Bayoh died as a result of excessive force used by police officers, potentially influenced by racial bias.
A: The public inquiry has already cost over £26 million.
A: The IOPC is an independent body overseeing the investigation of serious complaints against the police in the UK.
What are your thoughts on the role of independent inquiries in cases of police misconduct? do you believe the concerns raised by the Bayoh family are justified?
