“The SPF is surprised to find that the Chief Constable has decided to settle this claim. The Bayoh family’s solicitor has said that “those who broke the law should remember there is no time limit on justice”. However, the only person who can be said indisputably to have broken the law is Sheku Bayoh. On any view of the evidence, he took illicit drugs, engaged in a fight with a friend, armed himself with a large knife and then took to the streets of Kirkcaldy, where he terrified many members of the public who asked the police to help before assaulting a petite female police officer by punching her to the ground. These are facts which are wholly unchallenged.
As the inquiry continues, it would be inappropriate to say any more at this stage, other than to remind the public that the clear position of the officers involved in the apprehension of Mr Bayoh is that they acted reasonably, in the public interest in all the circumstances, given the danger that he presented.”