Police federation's fury at out of court Bayoh settlement

Officers 'acted reasonably' in fatal incident

- By Richard Elias

THE body representing rank-and-file police in Scotland reacted with fury last night after it was revealed the chief constable had agreed an out-of-court settlement with the family of a man who died in an encounter with officers.

Sheku Bayoh's death sparked huge controversy and is the subject of a public inquiry.

His family launched legal action seeking £1.85million in damages for what they described as his “unlawful killing.”

But yesterday, in a joint statement issued by Bayoh's lawyers and Police Scotland, it was announced by Jo Farrell, below, that a civil settlement had been agreed without admission of liability on behalf of the force.

In response, the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said officers involved in the fatal incident had “acted reasonably” due to the threat which they faced that night.

Mr Bayoh, who was 31, died in Kirkcaldy, Fife, after being restrained on the ground by six police officers.

He was taken to hospital after losing consciousness and died the next day.

The case sparked claims of racism and police brutality from his supporters and a protest campaign.