Sheku Bayoh’s family to compile dossier of alleged misconduct

Police Scotland chief constable welcomes public inquiry

The family of Sheku Bayoh are to compile a dossier of alleged misconduct on the part of the police officers who detained him prior to his death.

A full list of apparent breaches of regulations will be presented to Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.

The family said while it had been decided there was not enough evidence to prosecute any of the officers, alleged professional misconduct must still be considered.

Mr Bayoh, 32, died after being restrained by police in a Kirkcaldy street in May 2015 and the incident is to be the subject of a full public inquiry.

Police said they had been responding to reports of a man acting erratically while armed with a knife.

During a meeting with the fatherof-two’s mother Aminata Bayoh and sister Kadi Johnson yesterday, Mr Livingstone pledged Police Scotland would participate fully in the inquiry.

Bayoh family solicitor Aamer

Anwar said they were grateful to the chief constable for treating them with compassion and respect.

“It has been over four and a half years since Sheku Bayoh died in police custody and the family felt betrayed by the decision of the lord advocate not to prosecute any of the officers,” he said.

“The family understands that Police Scotland was unable to comment while the Crown Office carried out an investigation.

“This afternoon there was a robust discussion and the Bayoh family are encouraged that the chief constable welcomes the... public inquiry.”

Mr Anwar claimed police had breached regulations by failing to obey orders before engaging with Mr Bayoh, making inconsistent statements, conferring and leaking false information to the press, and failing to observe legal requirements on the use of lethal force.

“Accordingly, the chief constable was advised a full dossier of alleged misconduct and breaches of regulations will be provided to him directly,” he said.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Chief Constable Iain Livingstone reiterated his personal condolences, and those of the service, to the Bayoh family and undertook again that Police Scotland will participate fully in the public inquiry which will be established next year.”

“The family felt betrayed by the decision of the lord advocate not to prosecute any of the officers. SOLICITOR AAMER ANWAR

Picture: Wullie Marr Photography. Mr Bayoh’s mother Aminata and sister Kadi Johnson with solicitor Aamer Anwar at the Police Scotland headquarters in Kincardine.