We want to end this ..we want to grieve
Solicitior Anwar brands Sheku probe a ‘national disgrace’
THE investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh in police custody was branded a “national disgrace” as his family launched a £1.8million civil case against the force.
The 31-year-old died after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy on May 3, 2015.
Almost three years to the day of the death, family solicitor Aamer Anwar slammed Police Scotland, the Crown Office and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc), and said they had been left without answers.
Sheku’s family, including partner Collette Bell and his sister Kadi Johnson, are now suing Police Scotland for £1.85million, claiming the death could have been avoided.
It is said to be the first case of its kind in Scotland and will reach the Court of Session by May 18.
Collette said: “We will fight to make sure Shek gets the justice he deserves. I ask you, how long would you fight if your loved one was unlawfully killed?”
Kadi added: “We have kept an open mind and kept faith in the justice system but waiting for three years with no answers has been soul-destroying. We want an end to this, we want to grieve. Our patience has been exhausted and our trust failed.”
Anwar listed six allegations in the civil action including that the manner of restraint used by the officers was “not reasonable, proportionate or necessary and resulted in Sheku suffering positional asphyxiation”. He said the civil action would be paused if any charges are brought. Anwar also called for the resignation of Pirc commissioner Kate Frame, saying the body had failed “to adhere to its values of integrity, impartiality and respect”. The solicitor added: “I wish to state on behalf of Sheku’s family that the investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh was a national disgrace.
“To date, no officer was suspended without prejudice and, despite a final report delivered by Pirc to the Lord Advocate in 2016, he is yet to take action.
“The passage of time means that memories fade and evidence disappears or deteriorates.
“Sheku’s loved ones never wanted to go to court but they will not give up.” The Crown Office said it had been a “complex and challenging investigation”, and no timescale could be put in place for a ruling on potential charges.
A spokesman said: “We recognise that this has been a difficult time for the family of Sheku Bayoh.”
He added: “It’s anticipated a full report will be submitted for the consideration of Crown Counsel, the most senior lawyers in the Crown Office, in due course.”