Sheku family to sue force boss for £2m over his death in custody
THE family of a man who died in custody amid claims of police brutality are to sue for £2million.
Sheku Bayoh died after being arrested and restrained in the street, sparking a row over his treatment at the hands of police, who are accused of excessive force.
Ahead of the third anniversary of his death on Thursday, his relatives are set to launch civil action at the Court of Session. They are suing Police Scotland Acting Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, claiming officers were to blame for his death.
Mr Bayoh, 31, died after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife. His family have previously criticised the time taken to investigate his death.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) submitted a report into the incident to the Crown Office in August 2016. Prosecutors have yet to decide on criminal proceedings.
Last night, Mr Bayoh’s sister Kadijatu Johnson said: ‘PIRC disappointed us so much that we are not sure if the organisation is fit for purpose. Twenty-five years on from the death of Stephen Lawrence we are finding institutions such as PIRC still operating in the same culture.
‘We have no confidence in the system any more and are forced now to take our fight to the courts.’
Mr Bayoh’s partner Collette Bell – mother of their son Isaac, three months old when his father died – told the Sunday Mail: ‘On May 3, 2015, Sheku came into contact with Police Scotland.
‘He had not been charged with anything and should have been safe. Instead, he was pronounced dead. The only people responsible for him never coming home are the police.
‘Three years later, I am still awaiting answers for our son. He has already asked why he doesn’t see his daddy, which is heartbreaking.’
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Legal papers have been received. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further.’
A PIRC spokesman said: ‘Throughout this investigation, the PIRC has acted under the direction of the Lord Advocate, who has ultimate responsibility for the investigation of unexplained deaths.’
A Crown Office spokesman said: ‘The family and their legal representative have been kept informed of significant developments. Senior officials recently met the family and will continue to do so.’
‘I want answers for our son’