Police officers involved in Sheku Bayoh death request meeting with First Minister

The police officers involved in the events leading up to the death of Sheku Bayoh have requested a meeting with the First Minister following the inquiry’s “collapse”.

Mr Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained by around six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3, 2015.

The Crown Office decided not to take legal action against officers involved following an investigation, but the circumstances are being examined at the inquiry.

Lord Bracadale, who was overseeing proceedings, had previously been criticised by the Scottish Police Federation after he met privately with the family of Mr Bayoh on at least five occasions.

Chairman Lord Bracadale ordered a procedural hearing in June to consider an application for his own recusal at Capital House in Edinburgh.

Sheku Bayoh inquiry head facing calls to step down STV News

The hearing came after an application for recusal of the chairman and an assessor on behalf of the Scottish Police Federation, PC Craig Walker and Nicole Short.

Recusal is the legal process by which a judge or other adjudicator withdraws from a case due to potential bias, conflict of interest, or lack of impartiality.

In a letter to deputy first minister Kate Forbes, Lord Bracadale confirmed he was stepping down after the meetings with the family “gave rise to an appearance of bias”.

He believes the family “would have walked out of the inquiry” if the meetings didn’t take place, as they “had already lost confidence”.

John Swinney has said he would be happy to meet with the family of Sheku Bayoh, after the chairman of the inquiry into his death stood down.

However, in an open letter to the First Minister, the Scottish Police Federation’s solicitor stated that it is of “deep concern” that the officers involved in the incident have not been invited to a meeting.

It reads: “We note that you have agreed to meet with the family of Mr Bayoh.

“However, it is of deep concern to our clients that no similar invitation has been extended to the police officers who responded to multiple 999 calls reporting a man walking the streets of Kirkcaldy brandishing a 9-inch bladed weapon, attacking vehicles, and posing a serious threat to public safety. These officers responded without access to firearms, tasers, or police dogs, relying solely on their presence and training to protect the public.

“Given the gravity of the incident, the public service rendered by these officers, and the ongoing national priority to address knife crime in Scotland, we respectfully request that you extend an invitation to meet with any officers who wish to attend.

“Such a meeting would reflect parity of esteem and recognition of their role in responding to a dangerous and volatile situation.”

They added: “We would be pleased to make arrangements for such a meeting at your convenience and hope you will consider this request in the same spirit as your engagement with the family of the deceased.”