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The £50m public inquiry into the death of a man in police custody is facing uncertainty as a former judge, Lord Bracadale, who is chairing the investigation, comes under fire for alleged “secret” meetings with the family of Sheku Bayoh, the deceased. The Scottish Police Federation has raised concerns over potential bias due to these undisclosed meetings and is calling for Lord Bracadale to step down from his position to maintain integrity.
Lord Bracadale, who has been leading the inquiry since 2020, has ordered a hearing to allow core participants to present arguments regarding his conduct. The police federation has threatened legal action in the form of seeking a judicial review if Lord Bracadale chooses to remain in his role, which could further delay the inquiry’s findings by several months. The significant costs incurred by the inquiry, totaling £24.8m funded by the public and an additional £24.3m by Police Scotland, highlight the stakes involved in the ongoing debate.
Senior lawyers are poised for a legal showdown as Roddy Dunlop KC, the dean of the Faculty of Advocates, is set to represent the police federation and officers involved in the incident leading to Mr. Bayoh’s death. The lack of transparency surrounding Lord Bracadale’s meetings with the Bayoh family has exacerbated tensions, with the federation expressing a loss of confidence in the inquiry’s fairness. The dramatic turn of events, characterized as a “pathetic and desperate attempt to sabotage the inquiry” by the Bayoh family’s solicitor, Aamer Anwar, sets the stage for a contentious legal battle.
As the hearing unfolds, with prominent barrister Jason Beer KC joining as senior counsel for the inquiry, various stakeholders such as the Crown Office, Police Scotland, and the Commission for Racial Equality and Rights will present their positions. The complex nature of the inquiry, examining the events leading to Sheku Bayou’s death, the subsequent investigation, and potential racial factors, underscores the significance of the proceedings. With Lord Bracadale expected to deliver his decision following the two-day hearing, the outcome of the inquiry remains uncertain amidst mounting legal challenges and public scrutiny
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