Sheku Bayoh: Police pay family out-of-court settlement

Police Scotland has made an undisclosed payout to the family of Sheku Bayoh, it has been confirmed.

The 31-year-old died after he was restrained by police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife in 2015.

Bayoh, who was training to be a gas engineer, had two young sons.

The Crown Office decided not to take legal action against the officers involved following an investigation. An independent public inquiry into the matter was ordered by former justice secretary Humza Yousaf and began in May 2022.

That followed a separate civil action raised against the chief constable of Police Scotland by Bayoh's family in 2018.

In a joint statement, police and lawyers for the family have confirmed that action has been settled, with a payout made by the single force.

However, it has not admitted any liability.

The statement said: "To respect the privacy of the family, the details of the agreement will remain confidential, over which neither party will make any further comment to media and any third party."

The news comes less than a month after Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes declined to extend the terms of reference of the public inquiry to take in the decision against prosecuting police officers involved.

The inquiry, led by Lord Bracadale, was set up to investigate the circumstances of Bayoh's death and whether race was a factor.

Forbes said an extension of the remit would not be in the public interest "almost five years later and after evidential hearings have concluded".

She said: "I hope that it is now possible for the Chair to deliver his independent findings and recommendations as soon as possible.”

Aamer Anwar, solicitor for the Bayoh family, said: "On the 3rd of May it will be the 10th anniversary of Sheku’s death in police custody, however the struggle for the truth continues.

"As we reach the final stages of the public inquiry, those who broke the law should remember there is no time limit on justice. There will be no further comment today."

The Scottish Police Federation said it was "surprised to find that the chief constable has decided to settle this claim". 

A spokesperson said that the "clear position of the officers involved in the apprehension of Mr Bayoh is that they acted reasonably, in the public interest in the circumstances, given the danger that he presented".