Mr Bayoh’s family had urged Ms Forbes to extend the terms of reference of the public inquiry investigating the circumstances of the 31-year-old’s death, and whether race was a factor, to also include the Crown’s decisions not to bring any prosecutions in 2018 and 2019.
The inquiry’s terms of reference were announced in May 2020 and I have decided it is not in the public interest to extend the remit almost five years later and after evidential hearings have concluded.
“I am confident that the terms of reference, as announced in 2020, are sufficiently broad to allow the chair to present a substantial report with detailed findings and recommendations – including on the investigation and the extent to which Mr Bayoh’s actual or perceived race was a factor.”.
He said: “Scottish ministers have decided not to extend the terms of reference for the inquiry, rejecting Mr Bayoh’s families’ request.
An inquiry into the death of a man in police custody will not be extended to examine why no prosecutions were brought, the Deputy First Minister has announced, saying it is not in the public interest.
