A former police officer at the centre of one of Scotland's most controversial custody deaths has broken her decade-long silence, vehemently denying claims she is a "racist murderer" following the tragic passing of Sheku Bayoh.
Nicole Short, who was among the first responders when Mr Bayoh died in police custody in Kirkcaldy in May 2015, spoke exclusively about the incident that has sparked years of legal battles and a major public inquiry.
The Day That Changed Everything
On that fateful Sunday morning, police were called to reports of a man behaving erratically while carrying a knife. What unfolded next would become the subject of intense scrutiny and national debate.
"I want people to know that I'm not a racist, I'm not a murderer," Ms Short stated emphatically during her emotional testimony. "I went to work that day to do my job, to protect the public."
A Decade of Silence and Struggle
The former constable revealed the immense personal toll the incident has taken on her life, describing how she was "completely broken" by the events and their aftermath.
"I lost my career, I lost my friends, I lost my way of life," she disclosed, highlighting the profound impact on her mental health and personal relationships.
Public Inquiry and Family's Quest for Answers
The ongoing public inquiry, established to examine the circumstances surrounding Mr Bayoh's death, has heard extensive evidence about the police response and whether race played a factor in the incident.
Mr Bayoh's family has maintained that his death raises serious questions about institutional racism within Police Scotland and the use of restraint techniques.
Moving Forward Amid Controversy
As the inquiry continues to hear evidence, Ms Short's decision to speak out represents a significant moment in the long-running case.
Her testimony provides a rare insight into the perspective of officers involved in high-profile custody deaths, while the Bayoh family continues their determined pursuit of justice and accountability.
The case remains one of the most closely watched police conduct investigations in recent Scottish history, with implications that could reshape policing practices across the United Kingdom.
