Lord Advocate calls for media restraint in Sheku Bayoh inquiry

The Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC has today called for restraint from all parties in the provision and publication of information relating to the death of Sheku Bayoh.

In May this year, Mr Bayoh, a father-of-two was arrested after police were called to a Kirkcaldy street near his home and died shortly afterwards in police custody.

Mr Mulholland said: “The investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh is being conducted by PIRC under the direction of the Crown and both are well aware of all the evidence, the lines of enquiry and the issues surrounding this case.

“The Crown and PIRC are not influenced by comments made in the media and that is how it should be.

“However, speculation and a running commentary on the investigation can be upsetting to the family of Sheku Bayoh as well as the families of the officers involved.”

He added: “A decision will be taken at the end of this extremely complex investigation as to whether or not criminal proceedings should be raised.

“An inquiry will also be held at which all the relevant evidence will be heard, open to the public and the media, and it is right that it is this forum where the evidence will be rigorously tested and judicially assessed.

“PIRC, and the Crown, should be allowed to get on with their job.”