The former chairman of the inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh received over £711,000 in payments before resigning from the role due to concerns about alleged bias. Lord Bracadale stepped down in October of the previous year after the body representing rank-and-file officers initiated a legal challenge to remove him.
Lord Bracadale had initially stated he would not recuse himself, ruling that there was no possibility of bias despite private meetings with Mr. Bayoh's family. However, he later reversed this decision, acknowledging that criticisms had persisted and his actions had not allayed concerns about his conduct.
The cost of the inquiry has also risen significantly, increasing by more than £409,000 between April and June, bringing the total to over £27.8 million, even before any evidence has been heard. This figure covers the operational costs of the inquiry, with the overall expenditure, including that of police and prosecutors, having surpassed £50 million.
Sheku Bayoh, a father of two, died in police custody on May 3, 2015, after being restrained by six police officers in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Allegations of racism and police brutality have surrounded his death, which prompted the establishment of the inquiry in 2019. The inquiry was tasked with examining the circumstances of his death and whether race was a contributing factor.
Despite its objectives, the inquiry has been plagued by repeated delays and controversies, including the departure of Lord Bracadale. In January, it was announced that Lord Colbeck would succeed Lord Bracadale and would review all evidence previously heard, a process expected to take several months.
Family members of Sheku Bayoh have urged Police Scotland and the Crown Office to publicly support the inquiry, protect the 122 days of evidence already submitted, and allow the process to conclude. They expressed a desire for a timetable for the remaining stages to be established as soon as possible, acknowledging the challenge for the new chairman to restart the process.
Details of Lord Bracadale's earnings were revealed in response to a parliamentary question seeking information on payments made to the ex-inquiry chairman. Ministers confirmed that £711,680 had been allocated to Lord Bracadale up to April 2025.
These revelations come amidst growing concern over the expense and duration of public inquiries in Scotland, which collectively have cost over £250 million. While supporters argue that complex investigations are inherently costly, critics highlight the escalating bills and extended timelines as indicators of potential issues with oversight and efficiency, particularly given current pressures on the justice system.
Last June, several of Mr. Bayoh's relatives received compensation from Police Scotland through an out-of-court settlement, which included a single award exceeding £1 million. The relatives had halted legal proceedings against the force as part of this settlement.
A spokesperson for the inquiry declined to comment on Lord Bracadale's earnings or provide a timeline for Lord Colbeck's report. The Scottish Government stated that inquiries are independent and responsible for publishing their own financial information.