Sheku Bayoh officers to take early retirement

Two police officers involved in an incident which led to the death of a man in custody have been allowed to retire on medical grounds.

Constables Nicole Short and Alan Paton are said to have been left traumatised after attending a call in Kirkcaldy in May 2015 which led to the death of Sheku Bayoh, 31.

The Scottish Police Authority has accepted the judgement of Lord Woolman, who ruled earlier this week that the two officers should be able to retire due to ill health.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry or public inquiry is expected to be held into Mr Bayoh’s death if the Crown Office decides against criminal prosecutions.

The officers’ retirement means no misconduct proceedings can now be taken against them.

Solicitor Peter Watson, who represented the two officers, said: “This is a great relief to the officers concerned, both of whom continue to suffer serious ill-health issues and will have no quick recovery time ahead of them.

He added: “We are anxious to get to a judicial enquiry as quickly as possible for the interests of everyone, including Mr Bayoh’s family, but also for the officers.”