A former police officer injured during the incident that led to Sheku Bayoh's death has spoken publicly for the first time, revealing she is still receiving psychological treatment a decade later. Ex-Pc Nicole Short stated at a press conference on Wednesday: «There's a part of me that died that day and just never came back.»
Short described herself as «permanently disabled» following the May 3, 2015 incident in Kirkcaldy, Fife. She alleges Bayoh, a 31-year-old father of two, attacked her before being restrained by nine police officers, leading to his death. Short told the press conference: «The mental scar has been life-changing.»
The officer recounted receiving reports of a «black man holding a knife» via emergency calls. She claims Bayoh stamped on her twice and punched her before colleagues intervened. «They saved my life that day, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them intervening,» Short said.
Inquiry in Crisis
The ongoing investigation into Bayoh's death and whether race was a factor has been paused following the resignation of its chairman, Lord Bracadale, in October. The inquiry's legal team has also stepped down. The Scottish Police Federation had previously called for Lord Bracadale to recuse himself due to impartiality concerns after he met with Bayoh's family.
Short called for a new inquiry chair and a «fair and transparent» process. She stated: «Ultimately I'd like to see our names cleared because race wasn't a factor.» The officer said she and her colleagues have been «villainised» over the incident.
Scottish Police Federation chairman David Kennedy, speaking alongside Short, said First Minister John Swinney had agreed to meet the police officers involved. Kennedy stated: «The police officers were just doing their job. I hope a new judge will be found.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
