Bayoh family ‘betrayed’ by lord advocate

James Wolffe should be ashamed about handling of investigation, says sister

The sister of Sheku Bayoh has claimed Scotland’s most senior law officer has betrayed her grieving family.

Just days ahead of a meeting with lord advocate James Wolffe, Kadi Johnson said he should be ashamed of the way the Crown Office has handled the investigation into her brother’s death more than three years ago.

Mr Bayoh, a 31-year-old father-of-two, died after being restrained by police officers in Kirkcaldy in May 2015.

Since then the family has fought for answers about the events of that night.

Only a week ago they faced fresh heartbreak when a story was leaked to a national newspaper that it would appear no police officer would face prosecution.

Speaking to the Sunday Mail, Ms Johnson said the family had been shattered by that revelation.

She said she was so upset, she was sick the whole day.

The nurse said it was disrespectful towards the family that the news came out in the way it did.

Now she wants to look the lord advocate in the eye during Wednesday’s meeting.

“I want to hear the decision from him before I believe it,” she said.

“If it’s true, I’ll ask him where justice is for Sheku.”

She added: “Mr Wolffe should be deeply ashamed of the total betrayal of our family.

“We’re heartbroken, but we’ll wait to see what he has to say.”

The family is pursuing a £1.85 million damages case against Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone and they are campaigning for a public inquiry.

Sheku Bayoh died after being restrained by police officers.