Newham officers face police misconduct claims after court clears them of racism

Two Newham Met officers cleared of racially aggravated harassment yesterday now face disciplinary action from a police watchdog.

PC Kevin Hughes, 36, of Brentwood, Essex was found not guilty yesterday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court of using threatening words or behaviour to cause alarm and distress after he admitted comparing a black man to a monkey.

His colleague, PC David Hair, 42, of Epping, was also cleared of both charges following a three-day trial.

But now criminal proceedings are over, the case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) with the officers facing disciplinary action or even dismissal for their behaviour.

Cmdr Allan Gibson, MPS directorate of professional standards, said: “As soon as the actions of these officers were brought to the attention of the Directorate of Professional Standards the matter was taken seriously and following careful consideration referred to the IPCC.

“The Commissioner has made it quite clear that racism is not acceptable within the Met, this is a view supported by the majority of officers and staff.

“Now that criminal proceedings are complete, and it should be noted they have been found not guilty of any criminal offences, we will now consider misconduct proceedings.”

A third officer, an acting Sergeant in charge of the officers, has been the subject to management action.