A long-awaited report into the death of a Kirkcaldy father-of-two in police custody has finally been submitted to the Crown Office.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) confirmed it has completed a supplementary report to the Lord Advocate on the circumstances surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh more than a year ago.
Mr Bayoh, 31, died after being restrained by officers on May 3, 2015, and his family has been demanding answers ever since.
They are now that little bit closer to perhaps getting them, with the Lord Advocate now set to consider the findings in the PIRC report before deciding what appropriate action should be taken.
A spokesman for the PIRC said the independent investigation not only looked into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bayoh’s death but also further allegations raised by Mr Bayoh’s family and their legal representative.
“The Commissioner appreciates that this has been a difficult period for the family of Mr Bayoh whilst this complex and wide ranging investigation has continued,” the spokesman added.
“A significant part of the work involved the gathering of expert evidence from a range of specialist forensic pathologists to give a greater understanding as to the cause of Mr Bayoh’s death.
“During the enquiry additional lines of investigation emerged which have lengthened the process.
“The Commissioner ensured that all of the matters raised were rigorously explored so that the Lord Advocate is presented with a comprehensive report in order that he can make informed decisions on further action.”
Although the Commissioner submitted an interim report to the Lord Advocate in August 2015, Mr Bayoh’s family have repeatedly raised questions about the length of time taken before this latest report was produced.
However, the PIRC spokesman defended its handling of the probe.
“The Commissioner considered it was important that the quality of the investigation was not compromised by speed,” the spokesman added.
“She will undertake any further enquiries as directed by the Lord Advocate.”
Aamer Anwar, the solicitor who has been acting on behalf of the Bayoh family, criticised the fact that the investigation has taken one year and three months to complete.
“Sadly during this period the Bayoh family’s confidence in the robustness and impartiality of PIRC’s investigation has been shattered,” he added.
“The Bayoh family hope that they can maintain confidence in the new Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, to ensure all necessary further enquiries are completed by Crown Office before any conclusion is reached on what happens next.
“We understand that this process is likely to take some time.
“Whilst the family await the Lord Advocate’s decision on the appropriate way to proceed, they believe there is still a need for fundamental reform of PIRC so that no family who loses a loved one through a death in custody is forced to set up a campaign simply to get answers.
“As a result the Bayoh family maintain their call for a public inquiry to be set up into the death in custody of Sheku Bayoh and into the wider issues raised surrounding police accountability in Scotland.
“Sheku’s family and his partner Collette remain determined to fight for justice and the truth.”
