The Solicitor General for Scotland, Ruth Charteris KC, said:
“Lord Bracadale is rightly recognised for his many years of distinguished public service. His commitment to the rule of law, his integrity and his dedication have earned him widespread respect within the legal profession and beyond.
“Every public role comes with its challenges and Lord Bracadale deserves our gratitude and respect as he steps down from this inquiry.
“I fully appreciate that a further delay in concluding the inquiry will be a source of disappointment and frustration to the family, and I acknowledge that it will also incur further cost to the public purse.
“My position has been that certain procedural approaches, while undertaken with good intentions, may satisfy the test for apparent bias. In my role, I am duty-bound to act in the public interest, and I could not remain silent.”
Stephen McGowan, legal director at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said:
“The Crown has thoroughly examined the circumstances of Sheku Bayoh’s death and has reserved its right to prosecute.
“As Scotland’s independent prosecution and deaths investigation authority, COPFS remains committed to transparency and accountability. We welcome scrutiny, reflect on our work, and seek opportunities to improve. Our engagement with the Inquiry will continue to be constructive and focused on serving the public interest.”