Police Scotland seeks court review of Sheku Bayoh inquiry extension

Police Scotland is initiating legal action against Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes regarding the inquiry into the 2015 death of Sheku Bayoh, who died in police custody. The inquiry seeks to determine the circumstances surrounding Bayoh's death and whether racial factors were involved. Chief Constable Jo Farrell has requested a judicial review to ensure that any extension of the inquiry's terms is conducted lawfully, citing concerns over the Scottish government's handling of the process, including a lack of shared relevant material. The Bayoh family’s lawyer has called for the inquiry to also investigate the Crown Office's decision not to prosecute the involved officers. The inquiry has already incurred significant costs, reportedly exceeding £23 million. The Scottish Government has stated it cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings.