Special constable convicted of train race rant (From Wandsworth Guardian)
Contact us: Got a photo? Text SLPICS to 80360, click to upload your story or call 020 8722 6333
Special constable convicted of train race rant
10:37am Saturday 19th May 2012 in News By Hannah Williamson
The officer was convcited at Croydon Magistrates Court
A police special constable has been convicted of launching a racist rant at rail staff in a row over fare-dodging.
Luke Smith of Carey Gardens, Wandsworth, was off-duty when he abused the 48-year-old man on a train between Gatwick and East Croydon on October 5, last year.
The 27-year-old was found guilty at Croydon Magistrates Court of a racially aggravated public order offence on Wednesday.
He was found not guilty of fare evasion.
Smith who works in Westminster, was fined £300 for the offence. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £685 and a victim surcharge of £15.
He will also pay £100 compensation to the victim and to another member of rail staff on board the service at the time of the incident.
Smith remains suspended from work.
Commander Peter Spindler, Director of Professional Standards, said: "This type of appalling behaviour will not be tolerated on or off duty from any member of our staff.
"We are referring this matter to the misconduct unit for further action against the officer."
Comments(9)
PeterM
says...
11:41am Sat 19 May 12
ArfurTowcrate
says...
2:31pm Sat 19 May 12
Anon Thornton Heath wrote:Don't disagree with the sentiments, but due process must be followed - before they sack him.
Why are the Police saying "We are referring this matter to the misconduct unit for further action against the officer."?? He's just been convicted of a racially aggravated public order offence in a Court of Law. He should get the sack immediately.
Clearly he is unfit to be a Police Officer - what is there left to decide? Or maybe the Police think it is still OK for them to discuss this further whilst racists freely roam around the Met? Have we not moved on since Stephen Lawrence??? If the Met want to convince the public they are not racist any more they need to move quicky to chuck out racists. This is gross misconduct of duty so there is nothing else to debate by the "Misconduct Unit".
Hove Ex-Pat
says...
4:03pm Sat 19 May 12
snowwhite123
says...
11:11am Sun 20 May 12
His not fully qualified. Save the extra cost and send him packing.
PeterM
says...
11:39am Sun 20 May 12
snowwhite123 wrote:WRONG. Special Constables have exactly the same training and powers as a Regular Police Officer, they just don't get paid.
Exactly Ex-pat.
His not fully qualified. Save the extra cost and send him packing.
This was a Special Contable, not a PCSO (Plastic Policeman).
ANNE GILES
says...
9:15pm Sun 20 May 12
PeterM
says...
9:37pm Sun 20 May 12
ANNE GILES wrote:Anne, I'm not denying that they (PCSOs) do their job well, but they are not real Policemen, whilst Special Constables ARE real Policemen, albeit unpaid ones at that.
A PCSO is not a Plastic Policeman. They do a wonderful job.
ithinksoo
says...
9:56am Tue 22 May 12
Anon Thornton Heath says...
11:27am Sat 19 May 12
Clearly he is unfit to be a Police Officer - what is there left to decide? Or maybe the Police think it is still OK for them to discuss this further whilst racists freely roam around the Met? Have we not moved on since Stephen Lawrence??? If the Met want to convince the public they are not racist any more they need to move quicky to chuck out racists. This is gross misconduct of duty so there is nothing else to debate by the "Misconduct Unit".