Bayoh inquiry branded ‘national disgrace’

The investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh in police custody has been branded a “national disgrace” as his family launched a £1.8 million civil case against Police Scotland.

The 31-year-old died after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on 3 May 2015.

Almost three years to the day of the death, family solicitor Aamer Anwar criticised Police Scotland, the Crown Office and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc), and said they had been left without answers.

Mr Bayoh’s family, including partner Collette Bell and his sister Kadi Johnson, are suing Police Scotland for £1.85m, claiming the death could have been avoided. It is said to be the first case of its kind in Scotland and will reach the Court of Session by 18 May.

Ms Bell said: “We will fight to make sure Shek gets the justice he deserves. I ask you, how long would you fight if your loved one was unlawfully killed? What would you want in place to ensure your loved one had justice? You would continue to fight and campaign.”

Mr Bayoh’s sister said: “We have kept an open mind and kept faith in the justice system, but waiting for three years with no answers has been soul destroying.

“We want an end to this, we want to grieve. Our patience has been exhausted and our trust failed.”

Mr Anwar listed six allegations in the civil action including that the manner of restraint used by the officers was “not reasonable, proportionate or necessary and resulted in Sheku suffering positional asphyxiation”.

He said the civil action would be paused if any charges are brought over the death.

Mr Anwar called for the resignation of Pirc commissioner Kate Frame, saying the body had failed “to adhere to its values of integrity, impartiality and respect”.

The solicitor added: “I wish to state on behalf of Sheku’s family that the investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh was a national disgrace, to date no officer was suspended without prejudice and despite a final report delivered by Pirc to the Lord Advocate in 2016 he is yet to take action.”

The Crown Office said it had been a “complex and challenging investigation”.

0 Sheku Bayoh’s sister Kadi Johnson and partner Collette Bell with family solicitor Aamer Anwar