Eljamel inquiry's lead solicitor quits before hearings begin
Bosses confirmed to patients that Ciara Pang had exited her post even though hearings for the probe have not yet formally begun.
It's understood Lord Weir, who is chairing the inquiry, had been aware well in advance Ms Pang was leaving and the search for her replacement is under way.
In an email to Eljamel's patients, assistant solicitor Lynn Carey said: 'Our current solicitor, Ciara Pang, who has been your main point of contact until now, is moving on from the inquiry.
'The inquiry is in the process of filling this key post.
'We will notify you as soon as possible to provide details of who has been appointed as our new solicitor to the inquiry.
'The inquiry wishes to reassure you that the work of the inquiry continues in the meantime.'
Ms Carey said he would act as the main point of contact for any patients who had legal queries in the meantime.
Ms Pang previously worked as deputy solicitor for the inquiry into the circumstances of Sheku Bayou's death in police custody in Kirkcaldy.
Last October, Lord Weir said Ms Pang's 'in-depth experience' had already been 'invaluable' to him.
'I have no doubt that she will contribute greatly to the effective functioning of this Inquiry and the many legal issues to which it will inevitably give rise,' he added.
Sources stressed it is not unusual for some staff working on a public inquiry team to leave their roles while the process remains ongoing.
But Jules Rose, a Kinross campaigner harmed by Eljamel, said she has concerns over Ms Pang's departure.
'It's deeply concerning to learn that such an influential figure has stepped away from the inquiry at this critical stage,' she said.
'Once again, we're back on the merry-go-round.
'We need clear assurances this won't derail the progress of a much-needed inquiry.
'Yet again, there are more questions than answers.'
The Eljamel inquiry was ordered by the Scottish Government after extensive demands from campaigners in September 2023.
The rogue doctor harmed hundreds of patients while he was employed by NHS Tayside between 1995 and 2013.
In April, we revealed Dundee DJ Pat Kelly – another Eljamel victim – was boycotting the inquiry because he fears key institutions will not be interrogated.
Jamie Dawson KC, the top lawyer who grilled Nicola Sturgeon during the Covid inquiry, is the investigation's senior counsel.
A spokesperson for the Eljamel inquiry said: 'The Eljamel inquiry is in the process of filling the post of Solicitor to the Inquiry, and expects to do so in early course.
'Once appointed, we will provide an update to stakeholders.
'The inquiry is continuing to gather evidence and work towards hearings.
'Lord Weir has thanked Ciara for her contribution.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Sheku Bayoh inquiry chairman will not recuse himself
Mr Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained by around six police officers who were called to Hayfield Road in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3 2015. After considering the matter, Lord Bracadale has refused the application for his recusal. Read More: In a decision published on Wednesday, he said: 'Having reviewed the facts, the fair-minded and informed observer would conclude that there was no real possibility that I was biased.' He said such an observer would note that 'although the meetings with the families of Sheku Bayoh were private, they were not kept secret'. The application for recusal of the chairman and assessors was lodged on behalf of the Scottish Police Federation, Pc Craig Walker and Nicole Short. A spokeswoman for the inquiry said: 'The inquiry held a procedure and conduct hearing on June 12. 'After careful consideration of written and oral submissions from core participants, Lord Bracadale has decided not to recuse himself or terminate the appointments of the assessors. 'Having regard to the relevant legal test, he has determined there is no apparent bias. 'Taking into account various considerations in respect of the handling of the inquiry, he has determined having meetings with the families was not unfair. 'There is much important work for the inquiry still to do, not least proceeding with closing submissions and moving towards the writing of the final report. The team is working at pace and will announce next steps in due course.' The inquiry has been examining the circumstances of Mr Bayoh's death, and whether race was a factor. In a statement issued on behalf of the Bayoh family, lawyer Aamer Anwar said: 'Lord Bracadale, following an application by the Scottish Police Federation, PCs Craig Walker and Nicole Short to recuse himself and to terminate the appointments of the assessors Raju Bhatt and Michael Fuller, has refused to do so – he has delivered a humiliating and devastating indictment not just on the Federation but also the Solicitor General and Police Scotland. 'Despite their desperate claims, the chair Lord Bracadale has done nothing wrong, he is a judge with over 50 years' legal experience, respected for his impartiality and integrity. 'It comes as no surprise that both the Police Federation and Solicitor General failed to grasp that this inquiry's duty under the Human Rights Act is to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh, having at the inquiry's heart the Bayoh family. 'There is nothing wrong with the chair treating a bereaved family with compassion and respect.' Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'I note the detailed and extensive consideration that has informed Lord Bracadale's decision and hope all parties involved can progress the important work of the inquiry as soon as possible. 'The Scottish Government remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the circumstances leading to Mr Bayoh's death. 'However, as it is vital all public inquiries operate independently of government, it would be inappropriate of me to comment any further.' A spokesperson for the Scottish Police Federation said: 'Any fair-minded observer would be concerned when it is revealed that there have been five meetings with a core participant family, without the knowledge of the other core participants. 'The inquiry's legal team asserted that no evidence was discussed at these meetings, it subsequently transpired that was not the case. 'Lord Bracadale has never asked for a meeting with former Pc Nicole Short, who was assaulted in May 2015 in the line of duty and who has been unable to return to work as a result of her injuries. 'Police officers will continue to call for a fair and transparent hearing, based on the evidence alone.'
Western Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Chairman of Sheku Bayoh Inquiry decides against recusing himself
A procedural hearing ordered by Lord Bracadale was held in June after he revealed he has met with Mr Bayoh's family on five occasions since the inquiry began. Mr Bayoh, 31, a father-of-two, died after he was restrained by around six police officers who were called to Hayfield Road in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on May 3 2015. After considering the matter, Lord Bracadale has refused the application for his recusal. In a decision published on Wednesday, he said: 'Having reviewed the facts, the fair-minded and informed observer would conclude that there was no real possibility that I was biased.' The application for recusal of the chairman and assessors was lodged on behalf of the Scottish Police Federation, Pc Craig Walker and Nicole Short. A spokeswoman for the inquiry said: 'The inquiry held a procedure and conduct hearing on June 12. Sheku Bayoh died in 2015 (Family handout/PA) 'After careful consideration of written and oral submissions from core participants, Lord Bracadale has decided not to recuse himself or terminate the appointments of the assessors. 'Having regard to the relevant legal test, he has determined there is no apparent bias. 'Taking into account various considerations in respect of the handling of the inquiry, he has determined having meetings with the families was not unfair. 'There is much important work for the inquiry still to do, not least proceeding with closing submissions and moving towards the writing of the final report. The team is working at pace and will announce next steps in due course.' The inquiry has been examining the circumstances of Mr Bayoh's death, and whether race was a factor. Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'I note the detailed and extensive consideration that has informed Lord Bracadale's decision and hope all parties involved can progress the important work of the inquiry as soon as possible. 'The Scottish Government remains committed to establishing the facts surrounding the circumstances leading to Mr Bayoh's death. 'However, as it is vital all public inquiries operate independently of government, it would be inappropriate of me to comment any further.'
The National
13 hours ago
- The National
JD Vance panned for 'Scotland lies' ahead of luxury Ayrshire holiday
Donald Trump's second-in-command is set to arrive at Prestwick Airport today according to reports. Police Scotland have prepared a "significant policing operation' to secure a luxury estate in Ayrshire that he is reportedly set to stay at. READ MORE: Kate Forbes may be banned from major Scottish arts venue over trans views Vance was widely condemned for comments earlier this year in which he claimed Scots who pray in their homes could be prosecuted after the recent introduction of buffer zones around Scottish abortion clinics. Vance used a speech in Munich to argue Europe was seeing a shift away from democratic values and claimed the 'basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular' are under threat, citing the Scottish Government law as an example. The buffer zone legislation passed the Scottish Parliament in a historic moment last year, and sees anti-abortion protests within 200m of abortion service providers banned. The law does not prohibit anyone from praying within their own homes, as Vance claimed. Today, the annual US State Department assessment, which analyses human rights conditions worldwide, also hit out at what it described as 'serious restrictions' on freedom of expression in the UK. The report specifically said laws limiting speech around abortion clinics, pointing to 'safe access zones' curbed expression, including silent protests and prayer. (Image: PA) But Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay (above) – who spearheaded the abortion buffer zones legislation – has now hit out at Vance as he is set to arrive in Scotland. 'JD Vance has made a career of spreading misinformation and sowing mistrust in order to gain power and influence. The Vice President's absurd lies haven't just been about eating cats and dogs in Ohio; he has lied about Scotland,' she said. 'Earlier this year, JD Vance made false claims on an international stage about Scotland's buffer zones law, which prevents harassment and intimidation of patients outside abortion clinics, a bill proudly passed by the Scottish Greens.' Mackay added: 'Now, whilst his extremist government is attacking LGBTQ+ and women's rights, illegally arresting innocent civilians on the streets, arming Israel's genocide in Gaza and wrecking our climate, he thinks that he can peacefully run away from it all to enjoy a holiday in our country. 'Let's set this clear: the toxic misinformation of JD Vance is a threat to democracy and freedom around the world.'
