Family ‘refused to be lied to’ over the years

Sheku Bayoh’s family welcomed the opening statement by Lord Bracadale, saying they accept there will be an adjournment for many months to allow all parties to prepare.

A statement from lawyer Aamer Anwar, on behalf of Mr Bayoh’s family and his partner Col let te Bell, said: “Fighting for a proper investigation, never mind achieving meaningful change, has involved the Bayohs in enormous challenges and obstacles at great personal cost to the emotional and physical health of their family, young and old...

“But they have refused over the five years to be lied to, patronised, marginalised or bullied by the likes of Kirkcaldy Police, the Police Federation, Crown Office or the PIRC.”

It adds: “In his death Sheku was smeared, vilified and criminalised in order to negate his right to life.

“So as the inquiry begins, we should never forget that Sheku Bayoh was a 32-year-old black man, with no previous history of violence, he was a loving father, partner, son and brother who died in police custody.”

It adds: “The family have welcomed the appointment of both assessors, Raju Bhatt and former chief constable Mike Fuller, who bring a robust expertise across the full spectrum of policing, race and civil rights.

“Combining their expertise with that of respected Judge Lord Bracadale, the family have confidence that this inquiry will be fearless and impartial.”

It adds: “This inquiry must be prepared to go where no inquiry has gone before. Whilst for some it has been easy to scapegoat Police Scotland, for the family the ultimate betrayal was at the hands of the Lord Advocate and Crown Office.”