Sheku family set to sue top police chief for £ 2m
Relatives of Sheku Bayoh, who died in police custody in 2015, will begin legal action against Scotland’s most senior police officer this week, their lawyer has confirmed.
The civil action will be lodged at the Court of Session in Edinburgh before timebarring rules come into effect on Thursday, according to Aamer Anwar.
Mr Bayoh’s family issuing Police Scotland’s Acting Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, claiming officers were responsible for his death. It is understood they are seeking £ 2 million in damages.
The 31- year-old died after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy on 3 May, 2015.
His family have previously criticised the length of time taken to investigate his death.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner ( Pirc) submitted a rep or t into the incident to the Crown Office in August 2016, but prosecutors have yet to decide whether or not there should be any criminal proceedings.
A fatal accident inquiry will be held regardless of whether anyone is charged.
A Police Scotland spoke swoman said :“We can confirm that legal papers have been received and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
In a statement, Mr Bayoh’s family criticised the “cultural and institutional problems at Pirc ,” adding they were “not sure the system is fit for purpose”.