Remit of Bayoh death inquiry ‘wide ranging’

LEGAL: Retired High Court judge to determine whether race played a part in Fife man’s passing

The remit of the inquiry into the death of Kirkcaldy man Sheku Bayoh has been announced, which will determine whether his race played a part in his passing.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, a set-up date and premises where the inquiry will take place are still to be decided.

The circumstances leading to Mr Bayoh’s death will be investigated by retired High Court judge Lord Bracadale.

Fife father-of-two Mr Bayoh was 32 when he died in 2015 after being restrained by police.

The public inquiry will also investigate the post-incident management process and subsequent investigation into his death, according to the Scottish Government.

Lord Bracadale will examine whether Bayoh’s actual or perceived race played a part in his death, the circumstances leading up to it, the postincident management process and the subsequent investigation.

Mr Bayoh’s family met with Police Scotland chief constable Iain Livingstone at the end of 2019, following a decision by the Lord Advocate not to proceed with a criminal investigation against the officers who restrained him prior to his death.

His family has launched a civil action against Mr Livingstone.

A statement issued by solicitor Aamer Anwar on behalf of Mr Bayoh’s family and his partner Collette Bell, stated: “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 PIRC betrayed their struggle for justice but they hope this inquiry will robustly search for the truth and hold power to account.”

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “When I announced in November that a public inquiry was to be held, I said then that it is imperative that the circumstances leading up to Mr Bayoh’s death and the events that followed are examined in full and in public. I am pleased that today brings us a further step closer to that.

“I met with key parties 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.”

Lord Bracadale said: “I welcome the announcement of the terms of reference of the public inquiry.

“I understand the impact which the pandemic has had on preparation for the inquiry and look forward to being able to make progress in due course.”

Picture: Wullie Marr Photography. Solicitor Aamer Anwar accompanied by family members of Kirkcaldy man Sheku Bayoh at the Crown Office in Edinburgh last year.

Mr Bayoh was 32 when he died in 2015 after being restrained by police.