THE LAWYER representing Sheku Bayoh’s family has received a letter in the post threatening to blow his brains out while calling him a ‘pa*i’.
Aamer Anwar received the vile handwritten note in the post on Thursday in response to him representing Mr Bayoh’s family at a public inquiry.
Mr Bayoh, a 31-year-old trainee gas engineer, died in May 2015 while being held by officers who were responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
A public inquiry, chaired by Lord Bracadale, has been examining the circumstances leading up to the incident, and the following management process and investigation into the death.
Now, Mr Anwar, 54, has revealed how he was sent a death threat just last week after visiting Fife to work on the case.
The partially redacted note read: “Kirkcaldy.
“Amwar (sic) on Bayous every week.
“Last week.
“Next time you come to Fife I will ram my pistol up your p*i a*e and blow your brains out.
“The cops are scare (sic) of us.”
Mr Anwar took to Twitter yesterday to share the message and highlight the abuse he gets, writing: “Wonder how the ‘colour blind’ in my profession, expert ‘gaslighters’ on telling us racism is imagined, would feel if they were expected to put up with the toll of daily abuse and regular death threats for simply doing their job.
“This one in the post on Thursday has to do with Sheku Bayoh.”
The post attracted over 100 comments from social media users who were appalled by the message.
Cathy Walsh OBE said: “Apologies as a Scot for this shameful message.
“All in public office, or in professional roles, are responsible for the eradication of racism.
“Changing practices, behaviours and attitudinal change, plus promotion of ‘more in common’ should be a prerequisite to serve the public.”
Jo Maugham said: “Sorry you have to live with that Aamer. Strength to your right arm, my friend.”
Lindsay Jack said: “I am so sorry. This is absolutely disgusting.”
Prof Gerry Mooney said: “Absolutely shocking. Terrible that you have to live with this stuff.”
Dàibhidh McCann said: “Horrific and disgusting. I hope they find whoever sent this.”
An inquiry into Mr Bayoh’s was launched in May 2022 in Capital House in Edinburgh and has continued throughout the year.
The inquiry has heard how Mr Bayoh was spotted in Kirkcaldy with a knife on May 3 2015.
He did not have the weapon when police confronted him but a knife was later found lying on a grass verge.
Mr Bayoh’s family say he was met by nine police officers who used CS spray and batons on him despite him being unarmed.
It is alleged officers handcuffed and restrained him with leg and ankle cuffs taking him to the ground.
He allegedly didn’t make it back to his feet, lost consciousness and died at the scene in Kirkcaldy with over 24 separate injuries including cuts, lacerations, bruises and a broken rib.
The inquiry is due to reconvene in November this year.
