The family of Sheku Bayoh have reached an out-of-court settlement with Police Scotland after moving to sue the force following his death. Mr Bayoh, 31, died in Kirkcaldy, Fife on May 3, 2015, after he was restrained on the ground by six police officers. His family raised a civil action against Police Scotland three years later.
And the cops have thrown in the towel and are paying them to go away.
A public inquiry has also been examining the circumstances leading to Mr Bayoh’s death, the investigation into his death and whether or not race was a factor. Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell met with Mr Bayoh’s family last month and offered an apology to them for their ordeal.A joint statement from Police Scotland and solicitor Aamer Anwar, who has been representing the family, said on Monday a settlement has now been agreed without any admission of liability by the force.
How much? We don't know, it's our money, and we aren't allowed to know.
The statement said that to “respect the privacy of the family, the details of the agreement will remain confidential”.
The actual rank and file police aren't happy, either.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Police Federation said the organisation, which represents rank-and-file officers, was “surprised to find that the chief constable has decided to settle this claim”.
The spokesperson said: “As the inquiry continues, it would be inappropriate to say any more at this stage, other than to remind the public 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.”
But with the state of the justice system they don't want to take a chance, and there's always more taxpayer cash where that came from, isn't there?
8 comments:
I've argued before that any fine charged against a publicly funded organisation should be met from a deduction from pay for all of the organisation's employees. It might amount to a few percent a year but it would concentrate the mind.
It might encourage more cover-ups though.
Jo qualified in Business Studies. So this was a no brainer. Cost to her budget of folding - near zero. Cost of disputing - load of hassel.
Next time you want some advice on running a business, ask a policeman.
Convince me and every other diligent Police Officer that there is not a teeny weeny bit of DEI here.
As for future morale, unnecessary effort, actually exiting the police vehicle without a fully completed, and signed off by a superior officer, risk assessment? Forget it. Just tick boxes until 50, take the pension and relax, get a rewarding job.
Hmm, three years between the event and the start of the civil action. These days you have to wonder if that was the time taken for someone from the outside to get involved. Wonder how that civil action was funded???
The Force will have insurance to cover claims like this. The insurance company will have decided the tactics adopted to minimise the payment made.
It might encourage BETTER cover-ups.
'Business Studies'...! 🙄
Yes, me too.
You can get insurance for this? Good grief!
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