Cabbie-threat police officer keeps his job, misconduct hearing rules
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A senior police officer, convicted of using insulting, abusive and threatening language to a cabbie, has kept his job.
Inspector Gary Tomlinson launched a 92-second tirade of abuse against taxi driver Mohammed Anwar, who recorded it on his mobile phone.
After a judge found him guilty of the public order offence, Derbyshire police said the officer's position would be "reviewed".
A misconduct hearing on Thursday and yesterday has now decided that the officer should receive a final written warning. The force said that his future deployment would now be considered.
Deputy Chief Constable Alan Goodwin said: "Derbyshire Constabulary can confirm that following a two-day misconduct hearing an officer has been reprimanded.
"A panel made up of a chief officer, senior officer and independent member of the public heard the case. It followed the officer being convicted of a public order offence in January 2010.
"The panel decided the officer should receive a final written warning. The officer has a right to appeal to the Police Appeals Tribunal against the sanction."
During Insp Tomlinson's trial, the court heard the former head of Derbyshire Special Branch was drinking with colleagues in Derby on the night of the incident, celebrating his promotion to Chief Inspector.
He fell asleep in the back of Mr Anwar's taxi and, when he awoke, found he was being driven round Swadlincote on July 31 last year.
He told Mr Anwar to drive him to Hartshorne and, when they got there, handed over two notes. There was a dispute over the amount tendered which resulted in Insp Tomlinson, 47, saying: "I am a police officer and I am going to do you. You are a lying b******."
The married father-of-five, of Hartshorne, who has been a police officer for 21 years, told the court he had let down himself, his family and the force.
His promotion was cancelled as a result of the incident.
He was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £250 in costs.
He was cleared of a charge of using racially aggravated language against Mr Anwar. He had denied both charges.
Source; thisisderbyshire.co.uk
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