Cops off the hook over dad’s death
THE family of Sheku Bayoh are “disgusted” that no criminal charges will be brought against police officers involved in his death.
The relatives were told yesterday that the Crown Office have decided not to purse any prosecutions.
Sheku, 31, died after he was restrained by up to nine police officers in a street near his home in May 2015.
His sister Kadi Johnson said: “Sheku died and yet the police get to walk free.
“The justice system has failed us as a family, as well as his two boys Isaac and Tyler.”
A spokesman for the Crown Office confirmed the decision not to pursue prosecutions following a “complex investigation”.
He added: “The Crown BY REBECCA BLACK have conducted this investigation with professionalism , integrity and respect.”
Sheku’s family are now demanding a public inquiry.
Their lawyer Aamer Anwar said: “The family will continue to fight for the truth and seek a review of the decision, albeit they believe that such a process is simply a box-ticking exercise.
“They will accept nothing less than a public inquiry from the Scottish Government.”
Sheku died after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy.
The Crown Office spokesman added: “We are committed to ensuring that the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Sheku are fully aired in an appropriate legal forum and, to that end, we have discussed possible next steps with a small number of colleagues in the justice system.”
Sheku’s family have been critical of how Police Scotland, the Crown Office and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner have handled the case.
The Scottish Green Party have backed their calls for a public inquiry.
Sheku’s family are suing Police Scotland for £1.85million, claiming his death could have been avoided and alleging the manner of restraint was “not reasonable, proportionate or necessary”.