Sheku Bayoh family seek prosecution of Police Scotland
They met with the Lord Advocate earlier
The family of a man who died in police custody have called for a potential prosecution of Police Scotland on health and safety grounds to be considered.
They have also asked for a public inquiry to be launched into the wider issue of deaths in custody. Sheku Bayoh, 31, died after being restrained by officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3, 2015.
His death is currently being investigated by Police Scotland's independent watchdog, the Police Investigations Review Commissioner (Pirc).
The final report by Pirc is not expected to be submitted to the Lord Advocate for several months, according to Aamer Anwar, the lawyer of Mr Bayoh's family.
The Crown Office previously confirmed that a fatal accident inquiry into Mr Bayoh's death will take place regardless of any criminal prosecutions.
The Crown Office previously confirmed that a fatal accident inquiry into Mr Bayoh's death will take place regardless of any criminal prosecutions.
Speaking outside the Crown Office following a meeting between Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland and Mr Bayoh's family, Mr Anwar said: The Lord Advocate was told today that what is being offered to them (the family) by means of a fatal accident inquiry is the barest minimum following a death in custody.
Ultimately this case is a test of whether our system of justice is capable of holding the most powerful institution in our country, Police Scotland, to account.
For Sheku's family there can be no compromise on this.
Whatever the decision on criminal prosecutions, it is clear that an FAI is not enough.
The family have requested that the Health and Safety Executive become involved and consider a potential prosecution of Police Scotland over restraint techniques, lack of training, and use of sprays and batons on Sheku Bayoh.''