The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Lawyer says fight will go on
The lawyer for Sheku Bayoh’s family said all legal options were being considered as the fight for justice continued.
Aamer Anwar said: “We have had a PIRC inquiry which the family said they had no faith in.
“It delayed the process to the point that it is three long years since Sheku Bayoh died.
“Where’s the justice, acountability and transparency in this?
“The family describe the investigation as lacking impartiality and robustness.
“We’re considering all legal options and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”
A source close to the family told the Sunday Mail: “A case for damages will be lodged ahead of the third anniverary of Sheku’s death.
“The family have not had a penny for legal costs or anything else and feel the case is just dragging on and on.
“They miss Sheku every day and remain utterly distraught at his death and the manner in which he died.
“No sum of money will bring him back.
“Three years on there’s still no conclusion to an investigation.”
A spokesperson for the PIRC said: “The commissioner appreciates this has been a difficult period for the family of Mr Bayoh.
“At all stages throughout this independent investigation, the PIRC has acted under the direction of the Lord Advocate who has the ultimate responsibility for investigating unexplained deaths.
“The commissioner submitted a detailed and extensive report to the Lord Advocate in August 2015.
“A further report containing evidence gathered from a number of expert witnesses was submitted in 2016 and the PIRC has undertaken any additional enquiry requested by the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service.”