Probe to rule if police ‘racism’ played part in Sheku’s death
A PUBLIC inquiry into allegations of police brutality surrounding the death of a father in custody will probe allegations that racism ‘may have played a part’.
Sheku Bayoh, 31, died in May 2015 while being held by officers who were responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
His family have previously claimed race played a part in his death and they criticised the subsequent investigation.
The terms of the inquiry were published yesterday and reveal areas to be examined include whether Mr Bayoh’s actual or ‘perceived’ race ‘played a part in events’.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf, who announced the inquiry in November, said the probe will examine the circumstances leading up to the incident, the subsequent management process and the investigation into his death. Sources close to the inquiry suggested initial hearings could be held remotely while pandemic restrictions are in place.
Aamer Anwar, lawyer for the family, said: ‘The Bayoh family welcomes the unprecedented and wide-ranging terms of reference now published for the public inquiry.
‘Sheku’s loved ones have long believed that the Crown Office and Police Investigations and Review Commissioner betrayed their struggle for justice, but they hope this inquiry will robustly search for the truth and hold power to account.
‘I pay tribute to the courage and perseverance of Collette [Bell] – Sheku’s partner – and Sheku’s family, without whom this inquiry would never have been possible.’
The inquiry was announced after the Crown Office confirmed it would not be bringing any prosecutions over his death.
Mr Bayoh died on May 3, 2015, after being pinned down by officers following reports he had been seen acting erratically in the street and carrying a knife.
Mr Yousaf said: ‘I met with key parties, including the family of Mr Bayoh, to discuss the approach to the terms of reference. While they do not feature all of the issues raised with me during my discussion, the terms of reference do focus on the incident and are sufficiently broad enough to allow the chair to look at wider issues he may consider relevant to the inquiry.’
Chairman of the inquiry judge Lord Bracadale said: ‘I welcome the announcement of the terms of reference. I believe that they will enable my inquiry to conduct a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Bayoh and the wider issues arising.’
The Scottish Government said planning the inquiry had been affected by Covid-19, as resources were ‘focused on essential coronavirus priorities’. But work continues and Mr Yousaf is expected to provide further updates in due course.
‘Robustly search for the truth’