The long-running public inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh has been thrown into turmoil following the sudden resignation of its chairman, as the family makes explosive allegations of police sabotage.
Unexpected Departure Rocks Investigation
Lord Bracadale has stepped down from his role as chair of the inquiry with immediate effect, sending shockwaves through the proceedings examining the circumstances surrounding Mr Bayoh's death in police custody nearly a decade ago.
The 31-year-old father-of-two died in May 2015 after being restrained by up to nine police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife. His family has waited years for answers about what happened during that fatal encounter.
Family's Damning Allegations
In a dramatic development, the Bayoh family's legal representatives have accused Police Scotland of systematically undermining the inquiry through what they describe as "deliberate sabotage."
The family's lawyer, Aamer Anwar, stated: "We believe there has been a conscious effort to frustrate and delay this process at every turn. The resignation of the chair only adds to our concerns about whether we will ever get the truth."
Pattern of Obstruction Claims
The allegations centre around several key areas of concern:
- Critical evidence that has allegedly been withheld or delayed
- Key witnesses who have reportedly been reluctant to come forward
- Concerns about the completeness of documentation provided by police
- Questions about the timing of evidence disclosures
Police Scotland's Response
Police Scotland has issued a statement denying the sabotage allegations, describing them as "without foundation."
A spokesperson said: "We have cooperated fully with the inquiry process and remain committed to transparency. The welfare of all involved remains our priority, and we await the inquiry's findings."
What Happens Next?
The Scottish government now faces pressure to appoint a new chair quickly to prevent further delays to an inquiry that has already spanned years.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged the development, stating: "We understand the importance of this inquiry to the Bayoh family and to public confidence in policing. We will work to ensure it can continue its vital work without unnecessary delay."
The Bayoh family continues to campaign for what they call "meaningful accountability" and reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
