The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Sheku Bayoh probe to start on Monday
Apublic inquiry into the death of Kirkcaldy man Sheku Bayoh will begin on Monday. It will look at the circumstances of the 31-year-old’s death in police custody in 2015, and the subsequent investigation.
It will also examine whether the father of two’s race played any part in events.
Mr Bayoh died after he was restrained by six police officers responding to reports of a man brandishing a knife.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “The family of Mr Bayoh have shown remarkable dignity and perseverance during their five-year wait for an inquiry into the death of Sheku.
“I hope that today ’s announcement gives them comfort and reassurance that the circumstances surrounding his death will be examined in a public and transparent manner.”
The inquiry will be led by retired senior judge Lord Bracadale and is expected to last up to four years.
Former Kent Police Chief Constable Michael Fuller and lawyer Raju Bhatt have also been appointed as “assessors” to support Lord Bracadale.
The news follows a longrunning campaign by the Bayoh family for an inquiry.
Lawyer Aamer Anwar hailed their’ “tenacious determination” and said the announcement gave the family hope.
“The family has suffered considerable anguish, anger and frustration about the lack of accountability after Sheku’s death and the failure of the Crown to hold the police to account,” he said.
He added that the family had been lied to, patronised and smeared during their campaign for justice.
“The last five years have been extremely damaging to Sheku’s family and public confidence in the investigation process and the prevention of the abuse of power and misconduct.
“At the heart of this inquiry is a young black man, Sheku Bayoh, whose two young boys will grow up without knowing their father.
“Today’s announcement is an important milestone for the family and the appointment of the two assessors, with highly respected judge Lord Bracadale as chair fills the family with hope.”
The justice secretary said that he had worked closely with Lord Bracadale to select assessors Michael Fuller and Raju Bhatt.
“The formal start of the inquiry is a key milestone and I am confident the assessors will ably assist the chair to consider issues relevant to the terms of reference,” he said.
The i n q u i r y ’s remit includes the circumstances leading up to the death of My Bayoh, the postincident management process and subsequent investigation.
Mr Yousaf added: “The inquiry will also establish the extent to which Mr Bayoh’s actual or perceived race played a part in events, if any.”
During his time in the Metropolitan Police, Mr Fuller helped set up the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force and drew up the f o r c e’s action plan to address institutional racism following the murder of Stephen Lawrence.
Raju Bhatt, a lawyer specialising in working with families who have lost a loved one through a death in custody, has previously advised the UK Government on human rights and was part of the Hillsborough Independent Panel.