The chair of the inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh is contemplating the possibility of stepping down following concerns raised by the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) regarding his impartiality. Lord Bracadale, a former High Court judge who has been leading the inquiry since 2020, may seek the opinion of all parties represented at the inquiry before making a decision at a hearing in June. The SPF has expressed unease about Lord Bracadale’s meetings with Mr. Bayoh’s family, leading to speculation about the future of the inquiry.
If Lord Bracadale decides to remain in his position, the SPF could potentially challenge this decision through a judicial review. On the other hand, if he chooses to step down, it would result in a significant delay in the inquiry’s proceedings. Solicitor Aamer Anwar, representing the Bayoh family, criticized the SPF’s actions as an attempt to sabotage the inquiry and warned that any delay caused by Lord Bracadale stepping down could extend the proceedings by years.
Since his appointment, Lord Bracadale has conducted 122 days of oral hearings as part of the inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sheku Bayoh’s death. The inquiry has focused on the events leading up to Mr. Bayoh’s death, the subsequent investigation, and the possible role of race in the incident. Despite nearing the conclusion of the inquiry process, uncertainties surrounding Lord Bracadale’s position have created a potential roadblock in reaching final conclusions.
In response to concerns raised by the SPF, the inquiry’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining impartiality and transparency throughout the process. The engagement of Mr. Bayoh’s family with the inquiry has been deemed crucial for its effectiveness. Lord Bracadale’s commitment to involving the families in the proceedings was highlighted, with periodic meetings held to address their welfare as the inquiry progressed. The chair’s dedication to upholding the independence and fairness of the inquiry was reiterated amidst the ongoing discussions regarding his future involvement
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