Lord Advocate pledges investigation into Bayoh death

Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland has promised a "thorough, impartial and objective" investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh. He also told MSPs that a fatal accident inquiry would be held into the death.

Mr Bayoh, 31, died in police custody after being detained following an incident in Kirkcaldy on 3 May.
His family welcomed the comments and said they hoped the Lord Advocate would establish "the truth of what happened". 

Mr Mullholland told MSPs that further work was needed by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, particularly into the cause of death, before the investigation was completed.

"Having met the family on two occasions, I know the effect that this tragedy has had on them and they have borne their loss with great dignity," he said. "They are right to demand answers and a thorough, impartial and objective investigation is what they deserve."

Mr Mulholland said he was confident this could be done "expeditiously without compromising thoroughness".
He added that regardless of the decision on criminal proceedings, a fatal accident inquiry would be held because Mr Bayoh had died in custody.

"A fatal accident inquiry will allow all the evidence to be presented in a court, open to the public and the media, to be rigorously tested by all parties represented at the FAI, including the family, and allow the sheriff to make findings in fact and recommendations in relation to Sheku's death in a judgement that will be available to all," he said.